Seeing green: Practice harmonizes with its environment

When veterinary specialty & emergency care (VSEC) of Madison, Wis., moved into its new 23,000-square-foot facility in March 2007, a 15-fold increase in space wasn't the only major change doctors and team members experienced. The new practice was also built "green," using environmentally friendly products and strategies. "We felt strongly about our impact on the local community and environment, as well as our larger impact in terms of energy consumption and waste production," says hospital administrator Dr. Bruce Jens. "As responsible citizens, we couldn't ignore the bigger picture."

Indirect glow: A metal-slat system diffuses natural light so that sunlight can enter the building without overheating the interior. Photos by Dr. Bruce Jens.

VSEC decided to take the extra steps necessary to become LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified, a designation conferred by the U.S. Green Building Council indicating a superior level of environmentally responsible building. "No other veterinary practice has taken that step, so we decided we would show that it could be done," Dr. Jens says. "Veterinarians can do it."

The design-build firm that VSEC worked with has submitted documentation of the green aspects of the building project. While approval of the paperwork and an on-site visit by Green Building Council representatives to kick the tires (so to speak) is pending, the building is considered "LEED-registered."

VSEC's efforts focused on three main areas: the grounds, the building, and hospital operations. Here's how this 10-doctor, three-owner specialty practice went green. Maybe their ideas will inspire thoughts for your own environmentally friendly project.

Building

No HVAC "beast." Most commercial buildings contain a central HVAC unit that groans and growls as it heaves heating and cooling to remote parts of the facility. And some energy is inevitably lost en route. At VSEC, the heating and cooling mechanisms are located in the space above the drop ceiling and are distributed throughout the building—about four per floor. Each heats or cools only its own local zone, which is much more energy-efficient than a traditional system. The HVAC system also cycles air with heat exchangers that keep the air clean while reducing energy loss associated with air turnover.

Strategic location: The building is positioned close to the street corner so that the natural habitat behind the structure is left as pristine as possible.

The right white. A white roof reflects solar energy and reduces the need for cooling, which is the most energy-intense function of the hospital. Plentiful windows serve to maximize natural light and improve the work environment for employees.

Cool screening. The windows are shaded by metal slats positioned to block direct light and let in diffused light—"so we don't become like the car sitting in the sun with the windows closed," Dr. Jens says. "There's no direct hot beam of light—the place where the cat wants to sleep." VSEC team members are unanimous in their agreement that the natural daylight is their favorite feature of the hospital.

Southern exposure: The hospital's treatment area is set up to get the most direct light.

Smart flooring. Unlike vinyl tile, VSEC's low-maintenance ceramic tile and epoxy flooring means no stripping and waxing or using the associated nasty chemicals.

Fresh air. The hospital used low- to no-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and adhesives that wouldn't volatilize into the air. Team members also researched and chose green cleaning chemicals for windows, surfaces, floors, and laundry. "The staff appreciates this a lot—they say it feels healthier, that the air they're breathing is clean and fresh," Dr. Jens says. "And it's better for the community when we dispose of the wastewater. Of course, with parvovirus, we're still going to pull out the bleach."

Earth-friendly materials. The hospital's builder used recycled materials during the construction process—plus these materials can be recycled or reused again.

Task-oriented: Strategically placed lighting in the treatment area reduces the need for energy-gobbling overhead fixtures.

A light touch. VSEC uses fluorescent and compact fluorescent bulbs in a plan that maximizes task lighting. Lighting is installed only where it's necessary. This reduces the need for large, overhead broadcast lighting. Many of the lights are also on timers so they shut off when they're not being used, which maximizes bulb life.

Grounds

Low-impact plantings. The hospital's landscaping features native plants that require low to no maintenance. In areas where other offices would have grass, VSEC installed no-mow fescue. The staff mowed the "lawn" a couple of times early on, after which it took on a low, thick, turf-like appearance that doesn't need to be cut.

Native to Wisconsin: An Amelanchier, or serviceberry, tree frames the front door.

Environmental diversity. Landscapers also used prairie-style plants native to the surrounding Wisconsin landscape that are designed to attract local wildlife. Dr. Jens says it's not unusual for people to meander through the grounds, taking advantage of the peaceful natural surroundings.

Infusion basin: This corner of the hospital grounds mimics a wet prairie, filtering storm water runoff.

In for stormy weather. The VSEC grounds also contain a unique storm water management system. Rather than storm water flowing off the parking lot and roof and into the city system, it collects in two infiltration areas—a large vegetation-covered island in the center of the parking area and an infusion basin covering a corner of the property, where the soil is engineered in layers for maximum water absorption. Both infiltration areas are filled with native plants that enhance absorption with their root systems. The infusion basin mimics the natural filtration of a wet prairie—an area that's dry most of the time but contains plants that don't drown when they're deluged with sudden large amounts of water.

Filtration area: The first phase of reabsorption takes place in the center of the parking lot.

Operations

Reduce. A paperless medical records system eliminates large amounts of paper use. A fax server sends faxes directly from hospital computers without the need to print. The practice's digital radiography system also eliminates film waste and the use of toxic chemicals.

Minimal paper waste: An exam room contains a computer networked to the hospital's paperless records system.

Reuse. While there's not a lot you can reuse in a veterinary hospital, VSEC does make scrap paper out of nonconfidential papers and faxes.

Hello sunshine: Natural light in the treatment area is not only energy-efficient, it improves employee morale and patient well-being.

Recycle. All paper, metal, and plastic that can be recycled in the practice is.