White Oak Medical Center Awarded First Healthcare LEED Gold Certification in Maryland

Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center has been awarded the Healthcare LEED GOLD certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for the design, construction and operations of its more than 500,000 thousand-square-foot hospital and 48-acre campus. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), developed by the USGBC, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence.

Per the press release: LEED-certified buildings and campuses are helping to make the world more sustainable through practices that improve environmental and human health. White Oak Medical Center is the first hospital campus in Maryland to receive this prestigious Healthcare LEED Gold certification and recognition. White Oak Medical Center’s campus received the certification based on a number of design and construction features positively impacting the environment, community and the hospital. Some of these features include:

• Energy and resources – By choosing and implementing energy efficient equipment,100 percent LED lighting and using an onsite power generation, the hospital saves enough energy annually to power 310 homes. Various measurements and verification monitoring are in place to ensure that all equipment and power supply continues to work efficiently.
• Water efficiency – The equipment used in the hospital was chosen for its efficiency, including low flow fixtures, cooling towers, as well as bio digesters to help with food waste.
• Materials and resources – Nearly half of the building was designed with sustainable materials from sustainable resources and nearly 85 percent of construction waste was diverted from landfill. The building was designed for flexibility to allow both vertical and horizontal expansion in the future.
• Indoor environmental quality – Our patients receive optimal thermal comfort as all patient rooms include individually controlled thermostats. When building the hospital, low emitting materials were chosen, as well as a system that allows for use and monitoring of outdoor air delivery.
• Sustainable sites – When choosing this location, Adventist HealthCare committed to preserving 65 percent of the campus as open space with a focus on protecting and restoring habitat. The hospital offers public transportation access and parking for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles.

“In addition to sustainability for the community and environment, White Oak Medical Center was also awarded the Healthcare LEED Gold certification for its human-centric design,” said Anthony Stahl, president, White Oak Medical Center. “You’ll notice the building’s wood-like exterior reflects the forested setting it resides in, and that we offer public spaces filled with natural light, a roof garden, courtyards, a dining terrace and walking trails to promote a restorative healing environment for patients, family and team members.”

“Achieving LEED certification is more than just implementing sustainable practices. It represents a commitment to making the world a better place and influencing others to do better,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC. “Given the extraordinary importance of climate protection and the central role buildings play in that effort, Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center is creating a path forward through their LEED certification.”