Enumclaw's Environmentally Friendly Hospital Honored

Just as Enumclaw’s St. Elizabeth Hospital announced it has reached its $2 million fund-raising goal, it also learned that its environmentally
friendly design and construction has paid off in a big way.

The hospital announced Friday that it has earned LEED Silver
Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. St. Elizabeth, which opened in February, is the first new hospital in Washington to achieve the certification.

“Our commitment to being ‘green’ reflects the Franciscan Health System mission to create healthier communities,” St. Elizabeth Hospital President Dennis Popp said. “Being‘green’ promotes a healing environment inside our hospital and a healthier, safer community for everyone.”

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high-performance “green” buildings. The U.S. Green Building Council
and the Green Building Certification Institute are in charge of the program, which encourages cost-efficient and energy-saving buildings, a Franciscan Health System news release says.

“The St. Elizabeth Hospital project efficiently uses our natural
resources and makes an immediate, positive impact on our planet that will tremendously benefit future generations,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president and chief executive officer of the USGBC.

Seattle-based Mahlum Architects designed St. Elizabeth Hospital and was in charge of ensuring that the facility met the environmental standards.

The certification is based on a number of “green” design and
construction features, including:

1. Large, energy-efficient windows that reduce the need for
electric lights during daylight hours

2. A garden and sitting area that enhance the natural beauty of the
hospital’s campus.

3. Landscaping with water-efficient, native plants that help manage
stormwater runoff

4. Low-flow plumbing fixtures

5. An energy-efficient mechanical system that does not use ozone-depleting coolants

6. An ongoing recycling program

7. Sustainable building materials were used during construction and
construction waste was recycled

Additionally, environmentally sensitive steps were followed during demolition of Enumclaw Regional Hospital that was closed after St.
Elizabeth Hospital opened. Approximately 95 percent of the old building’s structural materials and contents were recycled.

Also, Franciscan donated equipment from the old hospital’s
kitchen to Buckley for its community center. Additionally, three
emergency-power generators that served the former hospital were given to Enumclaw, Buckley and Vashon Island.

As for the Campaign for St. Elizabeth Hospital, it did reach
its $2 million goal. The campaign began in late 2009 and continued through June 2011. Individuals can still donate by calling 253-428-8411 (1-888-814-3740 toll free) or send an e-mail
to FHSfoundation@FHShealth.org.