The new UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh facility recently passed the requirements for LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification. A big congratulations goes out to all those who worked hard to achieve this status and to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for taking the green initiative in setting this goal.

UPMC states on their website:

The new Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC is designed as a “green” campus, meaning that buildings use key resources such as energy, water, materials, and land more efficiently than buildings erected simply to building code. It’s been established that green (or environmentally sustainable) buildings contribute to improved health, comfort, and productivity of their residents by utilizing more natural light and promoting better air quality.

UPMC is taking it further by committing to employ green practices that extend beyond the structure. Children’s has employed new operating policies and procedures regarding facility maintenance, housekeeping, food service and waste management. They also have a commitment to fostering a green philosophy by working with clinicians, academicians, and the community to conduct research on the subject of sustainability and its health effects on children.

UPMC Children’s is a great example of how a commitment to sustainability can go well beyond design and construction. Green facilities are designed to create environments that inspire further sustainable behavior and practices. Hunt is happy to see organizations like UPMC embracing a sustainable business practice and looks forward to working with UPMC and others in the future on other sustainable projects and initiatives.

For a full list of the sustainable features of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, check out their website here.