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The Saint Louis County Department of Health’s new Health Campus in Berkeley has received LEED Gold Certification. The “Gold” designation is the second-highest possible designation and is an indication that the facility has been designed and constructed in a way that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. (“LEED” is the acronym for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.”)

Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, director of the department, said in a statement, “We initially set out to achieve LEED Silver Certification, but the Gold designation demonstrates how ‘green’ the new facility really is.  This is important because reducing our collective impact on the environment is part of the mission of public health.”

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED certification is awarded by the Green Building Certification Institute in four categories: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.  To receive LEED Gold Certification, a facility must receive between 60 and 79 points out of a possible 110 points.  The health department had been seeking LEED Silver Certification which requires between 50 and 59 points, but the facility earned 60 points, resulting in the LEED Gold Certification.

The 60 points earned by the new structure were awarded for a variety of features, including: its accessibility to public transportation; its connectivity to the local community (walkability); the incorporation of water-efficient landscaping; the decision to recycle as much of the previous building as possible as well as the use of recycled materials in the new structure; and the use of low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paint, and coatings throughout.

“I need to mention that it is not the health department alone that deserves the credit for this,” added Dr. Gunn, “but the people who worked together to design and build the Health Campus – Forum Studio, the Clayco/Legacy Joint Project, and the Saint Louis County Department of Public Works..”

According to the USGBC-Missouri Gateway Chapter, there are currently seven (7) LEED Platinum Certified facilities in the St. Louis area and 48 other LEED Gold Certified structures in the St. Louis areaFor more information about the Saint Louis County Department of Health’s new Health Campus, please visit www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness/NewHealthCampus