The Clinic & Specialty Center was recently awarded LEED certification at the Gold level! LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The LEED rating system was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council and is the foremost program for buildings, homes, and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained, and operated for improved environmental and human health performance.
The Clinic & Specialty Center is the second building by Hennepin Healthcare to achieve LEED certification. Whittier Clinic, one of our neighborhood clinics, also achieved LEED certification and was the first healthcare facility in Minneapolis to be awarded certification under LEED for New Construction at any level.
“Studies have confirmed that the environment can have an impact on human health,” said Bill Howden, director of facilities and master campus planning. “Following sustainable building practices is yet another way we can achieve our vision of transforming the health of the community, while at the same time doing what’s right for the environment.”
LEED certification is difficult for healthcare facilities to achieve because of their specific design needs. The Gold certification means that 60-79 points were earned on the certification checklist. It is the second highest certification level in the LEED program.
(more…)
