Jersey Shore University Medical Center is First to Earn LEED Gold in NJ and Largest on East Coast

Recognized for Environmental Responsibility with Prestigious LEED® Green Building Certification

NEPTUNE, N.J., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Jersey Shore University Medical Center's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) was recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute. It is the first hospital in New Jersey and the largest on the east coast to receive the honor.  LEED is the nation's preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100929/DC72788)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100929/DC72788)

"While we are very proud to be the first New Jersey hospital to receive this recognition, we did not make our design decisions for the sake of obtaining LEED Gold," said Steven G. Littleson, FACHE, president of Jersey Shore University Medical Center.  "We made sound, conscientious decisions for the wellness and experience of our patients and team, the environment, and our operations.  That we are the largest East Coast LEED Gold hospital is the result of those choices."

Jersey Shore University Medical Center achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material conservation, as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings:

• save money for families, businesses and taxpayers;
• reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and
• contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

"Jersey Shore University Medical Center's LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership," said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). "The urgency of USGBC's mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and Jersey Shore University Medical Center serves as a prime example with just how much we can accomplish."

LEED certification of Jersey Shore University Medical Center was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. These features include:

• In the new Northwest Pavilion, water consumption has been reduced by 30%, or 3,600 gallons per day – that's a savings of 1,314,000 gallons per year.
• Two new gas-fired co-generation units that convert onsite waste into steam heat, resulting in a 32% reduction in energy costs.
• Construction materials used in the Northwest Pavilion contain 13% recycled content, preventing the extraction and processing of raw materials. In addition, one sixth of construction materials and furniture were locally manufactured, minimizing fuel emissions from transportation.
• During the design and construction, Jersey Shore University Medical Center vowed to minimize disturbances to local ecosystems, using previously developed land to help preserve open green space, sensitive habitats, and natural resources. 
• The new heating and cooling systems filter and supply 100% clean outside air. 
• The new parking garage helps reduce urban heat island effects, minimizing the impact on wildlife and the local climate, and bicycle racks support alternative means of transportation to help reduce pollution from automobiles.

Jersey Shore University Medical Center, a member of the Meridian Health family, is a not-for-profit university teaching hospital and home to the K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital – the first children's hospital in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Jersey Shore is the regional provider of cardiac surgery, a program which has been ranked among the best in the Northeast, and is home to the only trauma center and nationally-designated comprehensive stroke center in the region. Jersey Shore University Medical Center specializes in cardiovascular care and heart surgery, orthopedics and rehabilitation, cancer care, and advanced women's and children's health services.

CONTACT: Robert Cavanaugh of the Jersey Shore University Medical Center, +1-732-776-4166, [email protected]

SOURCE Jersey Shore University Medical Center