Barre Family Health Center, designed by the Boston office of HDR Architecture, Inc., has become one of a few healthcare projects to become LEED certified in the U.S. and the only healthcare project to do so in Massachusetts. The 19,800-sq.-ft. facility was designed for UMass Memorial Health Care.

"UMass Memorial recognized the importance of green design in concept, as well as in its practical application to healthcare facilities," says Don Warner, principal of HDR's Boston office. "While it valued the environmental and energy efficiency benefits implicit in LEED Certification, it also wanted to send a positive message to patients and staff regarding the importance of a healthy working environment."

Warner said the payback to the client for going green came earlier than expected. "The residents of Barre and its surrounding towns, communities long associated with the outdoors and nature, embraced the green vision of the facility and showed their enthusiasm by generously supporting the project through a very successful fundraising effort," says Warner.

The $6.6 million, single level health center includes a treatment system for stormwater run-off from the roof and pavement that removes almost double the percentage of phosphorus required to qualify for LEED credits. The exterior lighting is designed to minimize light pollution, reducing or eliminating both "sky glow" and visible glare from neighboring properties. Total energy use in the building is 17 percent lower than the level set by national engineering guidelines. The building exceeds the requirements of the Massachusetts energy code, one of the strictest in the country. Plumbing fixtures in the building have been designed to consume 29 percent less water than required by the Energy Policy Act.

An indoor air quality plan was in effect throughout construction of the project to provide adequate ventilation to protect workers from particulates and fumes. In addition, a two-week "flush-out" period was provided prior to occupancy, to rid the building of remaining indoor pollutants.  Adhesives, paints, sealants, carpeting, and wood products such as plywood and particle board have been selected to meet the strictest standards for emission of volatile organic compounds or other potential contributors to indoor air pollution.

To minimize energy use and pollutants associated with transporting materials to the job site, over 50 percent of the building materials used on the project were manufactured regionally, and 11.6 percent used on the project (by dollar value) were recycled materials.
 
"We were very pleased that UMass Memorial made such a strong commitment to sustainable design for this project" says Warner. "Sustainable design and healthcare are complementary in their contributions to improving public health. Green buildings provide a healthier indoor environment and minimize negative impacts on the surrounding community. It's really the most appropriate way to build a health center."

The facility has also earned "Advanced Buildings" recognition by National Grid, the local electric utility company, for superior energy efficiency, responsible use of energy resources and supporting the well-being of building occupants. The facility is the first medical building qualifying for National Grid's Advanced Building Program.