Energy efficiency and environmental friendliness have been important themes in the building of Bellevue Medical Center, making it one of the most energy efficient hospitals in the Midwest. 

The hospital building has been designed to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, the recognized standard for achieving specific design and construction practices that meet some of the highest performance standards possible for energy efficiency and environmentally-friendly practices. 

This eco-conscious theme has been carried out throughout the entire facility, from the design to the use of natural resources to create a soothing environment that not only enhances healing but promotes a general sense of health and well-being.

The building’s most striking visual features are its Ipê wood accents and zinc cladding, which are designed to be maintenance-free for decades. Inside, glazed glass makes optimum use of natural light, reducing the need for electric light during the day. Interior paints, adhesives, flooring and ceiling tiles are all made with low volatile organic compound (VOC) content. Even casework, such as cabinets and shelving were made with formaldehyde-free particle board.

The environmentally friendly theme continues outside the building as well. The 20-acre site is landscaped using native plants and grasses adapted to the local climate, reducing the need for expensive landscaping, watering and upkeep. The design also incorporates an existing wetland to the west of the medical center. A healing garden path winds between the hospital and adjacent medical office building with a view of the wetland.

What is LEED? 

LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification program that sets industry-wide standards for design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings to produce reduced energy consumption and environmental impact. Created by United States Green Building Council (USGBC), the LEED rating system requires buildings to meet standards for energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality and the use of eco-friendly resources. Certification is awarded based on a point-based rating scale. Bellevue Medical Center’s energy-efficient design makes the hospital 20 percent more energy efficient than conventional hospitals, which is estimated to save more than $200,000 annually in energy costs.