Johnson Dermatology situated at Fort Smith, Arkansas in the US, is owned by Doctors Brad Johnson and Sandra Johnson, who believe their medical facility is the first in Arkansas to be running for the LEED certification.
The doctors believe that only practicing ‘green’ is not enough. The real victory would come when the U.S. Green Building Council says so and that too with a certification, silver, gold or platinum stamp on it.
The Johnsons had opened their first clinic in 2006 at the Cisterna Market. Another similar medical clinic was opened by the duo in April 2011 at the Riley Park Drive.
The new medical facility, just like the old one, was constructed by Travis Beshears of Beshears Construction. MAHG Architecture was roped in as per the recommendation of the builder, due to which architect Michael LeJong came aboard.
The new, better, well equipped facility was designed and constructed keeping the LEED certification in mind. The space was three times the previous location, spreading over a total of 12,000 square feet. Care was taken to include each and every smallest measure that could make this facility a super-ecological one.
Green elements included at the new medical clinic include a rainwater harvest tower that was used at toilets and for irrigation purposes. The landscaping done at the clinic was drought-resistant, meaning it would not require watering after the first year of its plantation. All construction materials used in the development of this site were recyclable and were purchased within 500 miles of distance.
The facility is well lit by means of large windows and skylights. Artificial lighting is controlled by means of motion sensors. Occupancy sensors have been installed for controlling the geothermal heating and cooling. The clinic sports a pod-style layout that offers 15 levels in heating and cooling of its inside. Apart from these, the clinic includes special parking spaces for fuel-efficient automobiles.
Additional elements such as energy-efficient steam washers/dryers, a Demolizer for melting surgical needles, recycling of cardboard, installation of six separate dumpsters for separating materials for landfills such as wood and concrete etc. have been installed at the site.
Earing LEED points for them are features such as carcinogens and urea formaldehyde free paints and carpentering, use of bike racks to light the parking lot and solar reflective glass that lets in light and no heat. The LEED certification process that requires four to 12 months after the construction is completed, will cost about $20k to $30k.
Via: swtimes
