Redefining the Healing Environment
Good Samaritan is redefining the healing environment by building a hospital that is environmentally friendly.
MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital is the first hospital in the state of Washington to apply for LEED Certification. LEED is Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design. Essentially, this means that the Patient Care Tower is a “green” hospital.
There are many aspects to the construction and operations of a “green” hospital. Below are a few examples of what Good Samaritan is doing to reduce its carbon footprint.
Construction Process
- Diversion of at least 75% of construction waste from area landfills
- Pollution prevention including storm water prevention pollution via runoff controls
- Regular street cleaning and wheel washing to prevent the transferring of dirt and mud into the area surrounding the construction zone.
- Use of regional materials to limit transportation needs; reduces need for materials to be traveled cross country via plane, train or truck
- Use of rapidly renewable materials- lessens resource depletion
Indoor Environment
- Use of materials that maximize natural light – This benefits the environment through the use of natural rather than artificial light, limiting energy usage. Natural light is also attributed to faster recovery times for patients staying in a hospital
- Materials used are low emitting materials – ie, Low VOC paint
- Dual flush toilets – One flushing mechanism for liquid waste, one for solid waste; reduces water consumption
Energy Consumption
- Sun Shades on the area of the hospital with western exposure to limit the amount of heat coming into the hospital
- High efficiency air conditioner to maximize comfort and limit energy consumption
- The 4th floor of the Patient Care Tower houses all the HVAC units. The placement of the HVAC systems in the middle of the Patient Care Tower require the use of less energy to disperse a/c and heat because the forced air has less amount of space to travel than being placed in Level A or on the 8th Floor.
- Green roof – the green roof will house grass and native plants as a means to limit the heat island effect
- The heat island effect is when there is a significant difference in temperature in urban areas than suburban areas due to the amount of concrete and steel absorbing the sun’s heat.
Outdoor Environment
- Outdoor areas of respite include the garden between the new Patient Care Tower and the existing hospital, garden to the east of the Patient Care Tower and various benches around the exterior
- A Bus stop will be located at the main entrance to limit the need for private transportation
- Bike racks will be strategically located for ease of access
- Preferential parking will be made available for fuel efficient vehicles in the parking structure