MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital has been awarded LEED Silver certification. Research shows that Le Bonheur is the fifth children’s hospital in the U.S. and the second hospital larger than 600,000-square-feet to achieve LEED certification.
Patients moved into the new hospital in December 2010. Le Bonheur treats more than 200,000 children each year in the 12-story, 255 bed facility. Nearly half of the building is dedicated to critical care units. The new building doubled Le Bonheur’s capacity for research and teaching.
Le Bonheur achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED certified building save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.
Le Bonheur’s LEED certification was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. Some of these features include:
- Lighting motion sensors and energy-efficient bulbs
- Outdoor drop irrigation and low-water volume sinks and toilets
- Use of natural light in patient and staff areas
- About 50 percent of the demolition waste was recycled
- Much of the steel and the concrete in the building were recycled materials
“We’ve always said that sustainability is right for kids,” said Vice President of Facilities Services Dave Rosenbaum. “And Le Bonheur does what’s right for kids. I am so pleased that we’ve been recognized as one of the nation’s leaders in sustainability and green building.”
