Twin events celebrated the environmentally conscious $220 million West Kendall Baptist Hospital on Oct. 21.
For its leadership in environmental construction and adaptations to operations, the hospital received Gold Certification from the national Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.
Following the LEED certification, employees showcased artistic skills in Baptist Health’s third annual “Greening Our Future” art contest, using “re-purposed’ and recyclable household and office materials to add significant emphasis and a lively touch of color to the day’s programs.
Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
“With the help of our talented and innovative architects and Baptist Health construction management team, we are…demonstrating our dedication and commitment to environmental sustainability,” said Javier Hernandez-Lichtl, CEO of West Kendall Baptist Hospital and chief academic officer of Baptist Health.
As a leader in environmental best practices Miami’s new state-of-the-art hospital achieved Leadership LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use, as well as for incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies.
By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers. They reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the community at large.
“The work of innovative building projects such as West Kendall Baptist Hospital is a fundamental driving force in the green building movement,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of the USGBC.
Among a number of “green” measures contributing to the hospital’s recognition:
• Hospital built on a rehabilitated brownfield site (formerly agricultural);
• White roofing products used to reduce heat island effect;
• Implemented a construction pollution control plan per EPA guidelines;
• Construction debris was recycled; • All wood construction products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC); regional materials used when possible;
• Selected low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, carpet systems;
• EV Charging station made available for electric vehicle, and
• Potable water usage for landscaping eliminated through xeriscaping.
Built to withstand Category 5 hurricane winds, significant LEED-approved standards also included use of high-impact windows, occupancy sensors, high-efficiency a/c chillers and air handlers, highefficiency T5 flourescent lighting with electronic ballasts.
Beginning in 2013, the hospital will be home to an accredited family practice residency program through its affiliation with Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.
With more than 900 employees now working on-site, the 133-bed hospital is the first non-replacement hospital facility to open in Miami-Dade County in more than 35 years and is equipped to accommodate 40,000 patients yearly.
