When Providence Care set out to build its new hospital along the shores of Lake Ontario, incorporating environmentally friendly features to reduce its impact on the planet was top of mind.
The state-of-the-art hospital was recently awarded LEED® Silver certification. The LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) system rewards points for innovations that minimize the impact of new construction on humans and the environment. Green buildings are built to protect occupant health, use resources such as energy and water more efficiently, and reduce the overall impact of the building on the environment.
“Achieving LEED® Silver certification demonstrates our commitment to being environmentally responsible and energy efficient,” said Krista Wells Pearce, Vice President, Planning & Corporate Support Services.
The 622,000 square foot hospital boasts the following innovations:
- Automated building control systems such as lights and window blinds
- Low-flow toilets and faucets to reduce water consumption
- Large amounts of natural light throughout the hospital to offset the need for artificial light during the day
This isn’t the first time Providence Care Hospital has been recognized for being ‘green’. In September 2019, the hospital was awarded a cheque for $514,000 as part of the High Performance New Construction Incentive. The incentive was offered as one of the province’s electricity conservation programs and encouraged a higher level of efficiency when constructing new facilities.
According to Utilities Kingston, the hospital’s numerous energy efficient initiatives saved approximately 423,000 kWh of electricity and 1,760,000 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. That’s enough electricity to power 45 homes, and the emissions saved are equal to 374 passenger cars, driven for a year!
And while the ‘green’ design of the building was a top priority during planning, Providence Care was also interested in evaluating what impact the new hospital had on its patients, clients and staff. With this in mind, Providence Care engaged Methologica, a Toronto-based research and evaluation consulting firm, to conduct pre and post-occupancy studies.
Providence Care recently received a final copy of Methologica’s User Experience and Design Evaluation Summary. The report highlights how Providence Care Hospital was able to reduce stigma, promote recovery and transition, and enhance its connection to nature with its design.
“This report affirms the work we did to improve the outcomes for the people we serve,” said Cathy Szabo, President & CEO.
“By achieving LEED® Silver certification, being recognized by Utilities Kingston, and receiving the findings of Methologica’s report, it is clear that Providence Care Hospital is leading the way in more ways than one. We are very proud of the results.”
