University of Utah Health Care has been awarded LEED® Gold certification for their South Jordan Health Center in Daybreak. The award was established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
“We are very proud of our LEED certification,” says David Entwistle, CEO, University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics. “We are committed to providing healthy environments for our patients, employees and the larger community.”
The University’s South Jordan Health Center achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporation a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.
“The Green building movement offers an unprecedented opportunity to respond to the most-important challenges of our time, including global climate change, dependence on non-sustainable and expensive sources of energy, and threats to human health,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “The work of innovative building projects such as the South Jordan Health Center is a fundamental driving force in the green building movement.”
The South Jordan Health Center is the 4th LEED certified building to be constructed in Daybreak.
LEED Gold certification of the South Jordan Health Center was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. These features include the following:
- Locating the facility next to alternative transportation solutions (light rail & bus lines)
- Promoting the use of fuel-efficient vehicles by designating the closest parking stalls for their use
- Using drought-tolerant indigenous landscaping to reduce water needs by 87%
- Installing water-efficient plumbing fixtures to reduce water usage by 20%
- Using low VOC-emitting materials for cleaner air
- Using exterior building materials and construction methods designed to reduce heat gain and loss
- Designing for maximum natural light and using highly efficient glass to provide views without extra energy use
- Diverting 75% of the building construction waste to recycling centers instead of landfills
- Using more than 20% of building materials from recycled sources
- Using regional sources for materials whenever possible to support local business and reduce negative environmental impacts due to shipping
