Solar-powered faucets currently being tested for use in the new hospital

As part of Rush University Medical Center's commitment to improving the health of the people of Chicago, the new hospital is being designed to conserve energy and water, reduce waste and use sustainable building materials. Rush will seek Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for its new hospital building. The U.S. Green Building Council, a nonprofit organization, awards LEED certification to buildings with high environmental standards.

Rush's new hospital tower is being designed to conserve energy and water, reduce waste and use sustainable building materials. To meet these environmentally friendly goals, the hospital will include:

• Indigenous landscaping and multiple green roofs (roofs that are covered with soil and plants over a waterproof covering) will slow the release and eliminate some of the rainwater into city storm sewers; these roofs will include an eighth-floor employee garden for staff respite and employee multi-purpose functions.
• Air handler condensation will be captured and used to water gardens and supply makeup water for our chiller equipment; planters will collect rain to water trees, diverting rainwater from street gutters.
• Environmentally preferable products will be used in housekeeping. The water savings from a change to microfiber mops alone will be 500,000 gallons a year. Cleaning practices and equipment will receive ongoing evaluation to identify new ways to enhance sustainability.
• Recycled building products, from structural concrete to interior finishes and furniture, will be used throughout the hospital.
• Energy-efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs will be installed, and passive solar light will brighten waiting rooms.
• Energy-efficient systems will be used for heating and cooling.
• Preferred parking will be available for employees and visitors who drive energy-efficient vehicles, and bike racks are being installed for people who cycle to the Medical Center.

In addition to these hospital features, a comprehensive recycling program is being implemented throughout the entire Rush campus, and extensive indigenous ground-level landscaping is planned to add greenery to Rush's urban setting.

For more information about the other changes under way at Rush, visit the Rush Transformation home page.