ERZURUM CITY HOSPITAL and LEED SYSTEM

The Erzurum Health Campus project aims to achieve GOLD certification in the LEED Healthcare category. As a result, numerous environmentally and human-friendly features have been integrated into the project design and construction..

Some of the sustainable strategies and solutions implemented in the project within the scope of the LEED System are as follows:

SUSTAINABLE LAND AND LOCATION

• The project was undertaken with the principle of creating a healthy and ecological treatment and working environment.
• While aiming to reduce carbon emissions, the project Public transportation is encouraged with bus stops within walking distance.
• Bicycle racks for hospital employees are located in safe areas.
• Priority parking spaces are reserved for low-emission vehicles and carpool vehicles in the parking lots.
• Native and adapted plants were used in the landscape design.
• All rainwater falling on the land will be collected in a 1000-ton capacity tank and used for landscape irrigation.
• More than 90% of parking lots are designed as underground parking lots, increasing the amount of green space and open space available to pedestrians while preventing the heat island effect.

WATER EFFICIENCY

• The building has achieved over 40% savings in water consumption by using efficient faucets and cisterns that consume less water.
• Water-efficient dishwashers and washing machines were selected.
• Water efficiency was prioritized in the selection of medical equipment and cooling towers.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

• The trigeneration system, the use of energy-efficient mechanical equipment and lighting fixtures, and the energy-efficient façade design have targeted energy savings of over 35%.

MATERIAL AND RESOURCES

• The project focused on the use of recycled and local materials.
• During operation, recyclable waste will be collected separately in all blocks and sent for recycling.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND USER COMFORT

• Mechanical ventilation was installed throughout the project, providing fresh air values specified in ASHRAE and FGI standards in all spaces.
• Temperature set values in accordance with ASHRAE standards were determined in all spaces.
• The comfort and health of building occupants are among the main elements evaluated by the LEED system. In this context, the construction chemicals used in the interior spaces of the building during construction (paint, primer, adhesive, putty, etc.) were selected with VOC (volatile organic compound) content that complies with international limits.
• The facade was designed to maximize daylight.

Environmentally Friendly Buildings

As environmental problems such as global warming and clean water supply become increasingly serious, the concept of environmentally friendly / sustainable buildings is becoming increasingly popular. Studies have shown that buildings account for approximately 40 percent of the world's energy consumption and 30 percent of water consumption. Furthermore, approximately 90 percent of human life is spent in buildings. All these reasons highlight the need for environmentally friendly buildings that consume fewer resources, are more efficient, and are more livable. Environmentally friendly buildings don't just save energy and water. Great importance is also placed on the health and comfort of building occupants. When designing environmentally friendly buildings, factors that directly impact human health, such as indoor air quality, natural lighting, temperature and humidity control, and waste management, are considered. Furthermore, the methods used in construction aim to provide a cleaner environment for the end user. According to some international studies, those who work or live in environmentally friendly buildings are less likely to get sick and have higher work performance compared to those in other buildings.

Why Do We Build Environmentally Friendly Buildings?

Buildings constructed using traditional methods consume 70% of energy and materials, 17% of water, 25% of forests, and increase CO2 emissions by 33%. Only 5% of recycled materials are used in conventional buildings.

Green Buildings enable energy and water savings, waste reduction, improved indoor air quality, increased user comfort and efficiency, reduced employee healthcare costs, and lower operating and maintenance costs. On average, Green Buildings consume around 30% less energy than conventional buildings. Green Buildings also consume significantly less water; waterless urinals, efficient cisterns, sinks, and shower faucets can save nearly 50%. By implementing various strategies in landscaping areas in green projects, 50% water savings can be easily achieved.

Environmentally Friendly (Green Building) Certification

LEED “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design”

Implemented since 1998 The LEED certification system, which was launched in 2010, is an environmentally friendly building certification system developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC).

The LEED system is a long process that begins with the design process and continues until the completion of the building. During this process, it encompasses issues that concern multiple disciplines. The LEED system has different categories, currently in effect and under development, suitable for different building types. These are as follows;

• New Construction
• Core & Shell
• Commercial Interiors
• Schools
• Existing Buildings: Operation & Maintenance
• Detached Houses (Homes)
• Hospitals and Clinics (Healthcare)
• Stores (Retail New Construction / Retail Commercial Interiors)
• Neighborhood Development

The LEED system examines and evaluates buildings under the following 7 subheadings:

1. Sustainable Land
2. Water Efficiency
3. Energy and Atmosphere
4. Materials and Resources
5. Indoor Life Quality
6. Innovation
7. Local Order of Importance

 

There are prerequisites and credit definitions under each subheading. First, the prerequisites will be met, and then the points under each credit will be accumulated. The project will be awarded Certified, Silver, Gold or  Platinum  based on the points it collects under these subheadings.

Certification levels according to the total of points received are as follows:

Certified:  40-49 points

Silver:     50-59 points

Gold:         60-79 points

Platinum:        80-110 points

Within the scope of LEED titles:

• Public transportation and alternative transportation Encouraging water systems,
• Implementing certain methods for water conservation and efficient use,
• Making design and system selection oriented towards increasing energy efficiency,
• Improving and controlling indoor air quality,
• Preventing volatile substances and cigarette smoke that are harmful to human health and Issues such as daylight savings are evaluated and scored.