Saint Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, located at 12300 Metcalf Avenue in Overland Park, recently announced that it is the first project in Kansas to be certified under LEED BD+C: Healthcare-v4.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, is the most widely-used green building rating system in the world. LEED v4 uses a performance-based approach that calls for measurable results throughout a building’s life cycle.
“Our team is incredibly excited about this news,” said Sam Beckman, Heal Studio principal at ACI Boland Architects. “We worked hard to ensure sustainability was a focus throughout the design process and in the finished product.”
Saint Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in areas including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, innovation and location and transportation.
Incorporating views, daylight and access to nature were important components of the design. Large windows were added in all patient rooms and public spaces to offer expansive views of flora, fauna and sky. The therapy gyms, cafe, and other public spaces were placed on the east/southeast side of the building, which allowed patients and staff to enjoy the morning and early afternoon sun while working together. To reduce irrigation demand, traditional turf was replaced with native, warm season grasses and other drought-tolerant plants, and a therapy garden and cafe patio provide respite and connections to nature for all visitors.
“LEED is a transformative tool that ensures a building is designed and operated to achieve high performance, improve human health, and protect the environment,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council.
Other partners of the award-winning project include: Earl Swensson Associates, W.L. Cassell and Associates, BHC, Structural Engineering Associates, JE Dunn Construction, Greenwood Consulting Group, Santee/Becker Associates and Benson Method.
Read previous, related MWM story here: Saint Luke’s East launches virtual nurse program: MWM KC