A Canadian first for Chinook facility

The LEED-HC rating system creates new healthcare-specific credits, and modifies existing LEED for New Construction (LEED-NC) points. For instance, indoor environmental quality credits have been adjusted to align with the need for infection control to protect patients from contaminants, and there are strict code regulations on ventilation with green building strategies. Overall, six pre-requisites and 25 credits were modified, and three pre-requisites and 15 credits were added to the rating system. LEED-HC is more challenging than LEEDNC in terms of scope and requirements, recognising the greater need to create a healthy environment for the most vulnerable. It is also the first LEED rating system to include a pre-requisite for integrated planning and design. Despite these challenges, healthcare facilities are well positioned to implement sustainable design practices, since they are typically owner-occupied and designed to be longlasting, durable buildings.

A Canadian first

In late 2015, Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, Alberta, opened its new addition – a five-storey, 205,000 ft2 wing that includes expansions to several departments, including Day Surgery, Cardio-Respiratory, Outpatient Services, Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU), and Spiritual Care. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the new wing is Canada’s first healthcare project to register with the LEED-HC rating system. Although the requirement was for a LEED-NC silver rating, there were multiple benefits for certifying with the LEED-HC rating system instead, such as the ability to factor in the intensive use of energy and water that could be difficult with LEEDNC. LEED-HC also has more stringent criteria centered on health and comfort that raise the bar for quality patient care.