UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh is designed as a "green" campus, meaning that buildings use key resources such as energy, water, materials, and land more efficiently than buildings erected simply to building code. It's been established that green (or environmentally sustainable) buildings contribute to improved health, comfort, and productivity of their residents by utilizing more natural light and promoting better air quality.
Two buildings have received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification: The hospital building has received a "Certified" rating, and the John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center a "Silver" rating.
Children's commitment to employ green practices extends well beyond its bricks and mortar. This means Children's employs new operating policies and procedures regarding facility maintenance, housekeeping, food service, and waste management. Children's also fosters its green philosophy by working with our clinicians, academicians, and community to conduct research on the subject of sustainability and its health effects on children. Here's a brief look at how Children's is environmentally friendly:
- Easy access to public transportation
- Availability of bike racks and showers
- Preferred parking for van pools
- Discounted parking for car pools
- Water efficient landscaping
- Use of building materials with recycled content (including recycled post-consumer structural steel)
- Use of local/regional construction material to reduce transportation issues
- Use of low VOC materials such as sealants, adhesives, paints, and carpets
- Installation of air filtration systems that increase indoor air quality.
- Installation of water fixtures that reduce water use
- Maximum use of daylight and views
Children's is also committed to environmental responsibility by:
- Employing a "green" education program for staff, patients, and visitors
- Installing a healing garden/rooftop gardens
- Continued use of recycled content and local materials whenever possible
