Nationwide Children’s Hospital is pleased to announce that its Research Building III has received LEED Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a rigorous certification program for proving that buildings have been constructed in accordance with strict environmental principles. LEED-certified buildings improve the health and well-being of their occupants, save energy and water, and use locally sourced and recycled materials. The third research building on the Nationwide Children’s campus opened in 2012 and was designed by NBBJ. Factors central to Nationwide Children’s Research Building III receiving LEED certification include:
- An innovative “neighborhood” approach to lab planning which facilitates current, collaborative research paradigms and affords occupants views to daylight and nature in two directions. Variable speed fume hoods, which reduce the loss of heat in exhaust while still protecting the safety of the laboratory occupants. Advanced Aircuity technology, which senses air quality, increasing and decreasing ventilation as needed. This technology simultaneously saves energy and improves indoor air quality and alone contributed 7% to the overall energy savings. The facility uses nearly 40% less water than a comparable laboratory building. More than 40% of construction materials were locally sourced within 500 miles. 36% of construction waste was recycled, diverting it from landfills.
