Imagine a hospital building that’s not only dedicated to healing patients but also healing the planet. That’s the story of the Helena Theurer Pavilion (HTP) at Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center — which recently earned LEED Silver Certification — awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) — and a big deal in the world of sustainable building.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world’s most widely used green building rating system. LEED certification provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings, which offer environmental, social and governance benefits.
But what does LEED Silver actually mean for you, the patient or the visitor? Think of it as a seal of approval that this building is designed with your well-being and the environment’s health in mind.
The Helena Theurer Pavilion is the largest healthcare expansion project ever approved by the state of New Jersey. The 530,000 sq.ft., nine-story building houses 24 state-of-the-art operating rooms with intraoperative MRI capability, 50 ICU beds, and 175 medical/surgical beds including a 50-room Musculoskeletal Institute. Not just a concrete box, the HTP is a thoughtfully designed space that prioritizes:
Cleaner Air: From construction materials to air filtration systems, the Pavilion minimizes harmful chemicals and pollutants, creating a healthier environment for everyone inside, especially those with respiratory sensitivities. Think fresher air, fewer irritants, and a more comfortable healing experience.
Conserving Resources: Water is precious, and the Pavilion understands that. With efficient fixtures and landscaping, it significantly reduces water usage, contributing to a more sustainable future for our community. This means less strain on our water supply and a lower environmental footprint.
Energy Efficiency: From energy-saving lighting to smart climate control, the Pavilion minimizes energy consumption, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering operating costs. This translates to a healthier planet and responsible use of resources.
Natural Light: Studies show that natural light can boost mood and promote healing. The Pavilion maximizes natural light, creating a brighter, more welcoming environment for patients and staff. Imagine sunny waiting rooms and patient rooms filled with natural light, promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
Thoughtful Materials: The Pavilion prioritizes the use of sustainable and recycled materials, minimizing the impact on the environment during construction and throughout the building’s lifespan. This means fewer resources are extracted from the earth, and less waste ends up in landfills.
“Receiving LEED Silver certification for the Helena Theurer Pavilion is a testament to the incredible foresight and dedication poured into this project from its very inception,” explains Donald Ferrell, senior vice president of Facilities for Hackensack Meridian Health. “From the selection of building materials to the implementation of energy-efficient systems, every decision was made with the long-term health of our community and planet in mind. This achievement reflects Hackensack Meridian Health’s commitment to building a healthier future, both inside and outside the walls of our facilities.”
“We are incredibly proud that the Helena Theurer Pavilion has achieved LEED Silver certification. This accomplishment reflects Hackensack Meridian Health’s unwavering commitment to sustainable healthcare practices and underscores our dedication to creating healthy environments for our patients, team members, and the community,” says Kyle Tafuri, vice president, Sustainability for Hackensack Meridian Health. “The Pavilion exemplifies how we can integrate environmentally responsible design and operations to minimize our impact while delivering world-class care.”
LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement, and it is backed by an entire industry of committed organizations and individuals paving the way for market transformation.
LEED by the numbers:
◾197,000 LEED projects worldwide
◾186 countries and territories
◾LEED Certified: Lowest level, achieving 40-49 points
◾LEED Silver buildings score between 50 – 59 LEED points
◾LEED Gold: Higher level of sustainability, achieving 60-79 points
◾LEED Platinum: Highest level, achieving 80 or more points