Stamford Health's new 640,000-square-foot hospital has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Healthcare Certification, one of only 86 projects in the world to be so certified, as well as the first in Connecticut and the largest facility in the country to receive the recognition, according to an article on the Westfair Business website.

Executive Director, Facilities Management Michael Smeriglio said the hospital focused on several areas, including airflow, energy consumption and air quality. 

The efforts extended to incorporating “living roofs” at several points — plantings which serve as insulation, require less energy, send less heat into the atmosphere and are aesthetically pleasing.

During the construction of the hospital, the following LEED elements were achieved:

• About 85 percent of construction debris was recycled.

• Green spaces were maximized, including gardens, courtyards and paths to promote healing and provide patient and family respite.

• Sustainably-sourced materials and products were used from the region, such as certified wood, walls, ceiling, flooring and other components.

• Low-emitting materials, such as environmentally friendly carpets and no noxious flooring material, were selected.

Read the article.