New Fort Wayne Lutheran Hospital Built With Sustainable Practices
News Release
FORT WAYNE — Lutheran’s new hospital being built in downtown Fort Wayne is being constructed using sustainable practices.
Beginning with the initial planning, construction of Lutheran Downtown Hospital was engineered for sustainability goals, ensuring the new building would be significantly more efficient in the use of natural resources such as energy, water and raw materials. The effort is on track to obtain a Green Globe® Building Certification.
“By conserving natural resources and investing in our employees and our communities, we foster wellness in and out of the hospital,” said Twilla Lee, CEO of Lutheran Downtown Hospital. “We have worked diligently to identify and implement processes that improve efficiency, reduce consumption and waste, minimize environmental impact and improve community well-being.”
Sustainability goals at Lutheran Downtown Hospital are being accomplished through multiple initiatives, including:
- Use of U.S. EPA WaterSense program-compliant plumbing fixtures.
- High-efficiency heating and cooling infrastructure that minimizes water, natural gas and electricity use. A building automation system (BAS) will constantly monitor use and notify staff if adjustments are needed to maintain efficiency.
- Boilers used to heat the building will significantly reduce CO2 and nitrous oxide emissions compared to older systems.
- Chillers for cooling the building will utilize modern refrigerants.
- The use of high-efficiency LED lighting fixtures and controls throughout the facility will reduce electricity demand.
- A minimum of 50% of construction waste, including building demolition waste, will be diverted from landfills through reuse and recycling.
- Recycling support space is included in the new building program.
- The air handling system will meet or exceed standards that measure how effectively air is distributed to maintain acceptable air quality.
- Carpet, carpet pad and under-carpet adhesives will comply with the Carpet and Rug Institute’s (CRI) Green Label Plus® program.
- Paints, floor coverings and other interior products will meet or exceed recommended limits of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to insure a safe interior environment for patients and staff.
- Where possible, non-patient care interior furnishings meet sustainability requirements from the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC).
While Lutheran Downtown Hospital is the newest structure with sustainability as a top goal, existing facilities have undergone a number of upgrades beyond extensive recycling. LED lighting has been installed in all renovated areas and corridors, including exterior lighting. Each building participates in an energy management reduction program with the goal of reducing energy usage by 5% or more per year.