By Kyle LoJacono
When St. Joseph’s Hospital-North opened in early 2010, it became the first new full-service hospital in Hillsborough County in 30 years and the first such facility in Lutz.
The BayCare Health System’s hospital recently achieved another first when it was given LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. It is the first time a Florida facility has received the honor, which recognizes environmentally sustainable business practices.
“We don’t give out this certification to just anyone,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president and CEO of the council. “Facilities have to demonstrate that they are doing everything possible to be a steward of the environment from the construction materials, to how the facility is run and future plans.”
Colleen Mackin, executive director for the council’s local chapter, said such eco-friendly hospitals have a positive impact on the overall health of the area.
“Research shows environmentally sustainable buildings contribute to improved health, so having a green hospital helps St. Joseph’s achieve its vision of creating a healthy environment for the community it serves,” Mackin said.
The 350,000-sqaure-foot, $225 million hospital, located at 4211Van Dyke Road in Lutz, was designed using energy-efficient materials with high levels of recycled content. The resources used also will not emit chemicals into the environment, according to St. Joseph’s Hospital-North chief operating officer Paula McGuiness.
Besides using more environmentally friendly building materials, the hospital:
–Selected refrigerants that minimize the impact on ozone layer depletion.
–Has water fixtures that use 20 percent less water than standard ones.
–Has lighting and heating controls to reduce energy use, reducing consumption by 12 percent versus standard equipment.
–Has a roofing system that helps reduce the heat effect and keep temperatures cooler.
–Uses only reclaimed water from retentions ponds to maintain its landscaping.
–Uses only low-emission paints, adhesives, sealants, fabrics and carpets inside the facility.
–Used only building materials produced within 500 miles of the hospital to reduce transportation.
–Offers preferred parking to low-emission and fuel-efficient vehicles.
The overall design of the hospital was also done in such a way to incorporate the trees and waterways around as a way to help protect the wildlife in northern Hillsborough. It also gives patients a view of nature instead of bricks and mortar within the facility’s rooms.
McGuiness said it was always the goal to eventually have the hospital LEED certified. She added they did not want to affect the health of the environment while working to improve healthcare in the area.
“Buildings are one of the largest consumers of resources and energy in this country,” McGuiness said. “St. Joseph’s Hospitals and BayCare Health System believe in being leaders of environmental stewardship, innovation and corporate responsibility.”
McGuiness said St. Joseph’s Hospital-North has all the traditional health offerings of any acute care facility, including emergency care, surgical services, imaging, intensive care, obstetric and cardiac catheterization.
For more information on the hospital, call (813) 443-2046 or visit www.stjosephsnorth.com.
