Brigham and Women's Hospital

Open 24 hours a day and meeting strict interior environmental requirements, hospitals are notorious energy hogs, making LEED certification difficult. The Shapiro Cardiovascular Center, built in accordance with the Green Guide for Health Care and LEED standards, attained LEED Silver certification in 2009, making it one of New England’s first LEED-certified hospital facilities.

An early commitment to sustainable practices enabled the recycling of more than 90% of construction waste during the building’s three-year construction schedule, as well as the use of building materials containing significant recycled content. Electricity conservation measures include high-efficiency air handlers, low-E windows, sunshades, low-energy light fixtures, and abundant daylighting; more than 75 percent of interior spaces receive natural light. Use of low-emitting adhesives, sealants, carpets, and paints throughout the facility preserves air quality, while low-flow plumbing fixtures reduce water consumption.

• Project was constructed on previously developed site
• Facility is accessible via public transportation
• Bicycle storage and shower facilities encourage alternative transportation
• Preferred parking is provided for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles
• Number of parking spaces does not exceed minimum required by local zoning
• High-reflectance roofing and 30% high-albedo impervious materials reduce heat island effect
• Light fixture cutoffs avoid increasing night-sky light pollution

• Six residential structures on the project site were completely reused and re-sited to vacant areas of the neighborhood
• Relocated homes filled in vacant lots, resulting in greater density with consistent type housing stock
• Exemplary commuter choice program includes commuter bus stop on site with dedicated, enlarged bus lane
• Educational outreach program educates public about sustainable design
• Project team included LEED-accredited professionals

• Construction indoor air quality management plan implemented during and after construction
• Low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, carpet, and composite wood used throughout
• Entryway systems, properly exhausted chemical use areas, and air filters minimize occupant exposure to particulates and pollutants
• Permanent temperature and humidity monitoring system provides operators with control of thermal comfort and humidification performance
• 75% of spaces receive daylight and views

• Designated storage and collection areas are provided for recyclables
• 75% of construction waste was diverted from disposal
• Building materials incorporate 20% recycled content
• 10% of building materials are regionally manufactured

• Refrigerant and fire-suppression equipment is free of ozone-depleting HCFCs
• Energy performance optimization and enhanced commissioning conserve energy and improve efficiency
• Ongoing measurement and verification establish accountability regarding building energy consumption

• Potable water consumption for irrigation reduced by 50% from midsummer baseline through plant species selection, irrigation efficiency, and use of recycled water

• Operating suites for cardiac and vascular surgery
• Diagnostic and treatment facilities
• Variable acuity inpatient units
• Ambulatory care clinics
• Dining, conference, and family centers
• Elevated and below-grade walkways connecting new center to existing hospital