Going Green
In addition to being renowned worldwide for innovative work in patient care, translational research and education, DDC Clinic - Center for Special Needs Children is a leader in environmental sustainability.
DDC Clinic, serving people with special needs caused by rare genetic disorders, moved into its state-of-the-art facility in Middlefield, Ohio in October of 2009. With the additional resources this new facility offers, DDC Clinic has become more than a clinic; we've become a center with the ability to reach our community in ways we only dreamed of before. The new facility has a technologically advanced research center, four treatment rooms and a medical laboratory, two classrooms, a conference room, a room for community education and family gatherings, additional office space and space for dental services.
When we envisioned a brighter, healthier future for our children, we also saw the need for a facility that would be environmentally sustainable, energy-efficient and healthier for the entire community.
As we explored how to achieve our vision, we were led by Chuck Fowler, DDC Clinic Board Member and CEO of Fairmount Minerals. Fairmount Minerals has a long history of sustainable development, employing ethical business practices that respect the social, environmental and economic impacts of their work. Chuck had knowledge of and experience with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, the nationally accepted benchmark for design, construction and operation of high performance “green” buildings. This type of green building is environmentally sustainable, energy-efficient and healthier for the entire community.
We are currently undergoing the final LEED inspections and anticipate achieving LEED certification at the Silver Level.
Building green challenged us to construct a facility that does more with fewer resources, one that
-
Provides a healthy and comfortable environment
-
Conserves energy and water
-
Incorporates a high percentage of recycled materials without creating harmful emissions
-
Reflects the natural, historical and cultural features of the community
Here is how we met those challenges.
Provides a Healthy and Comfortable Environment
In addition to the beauty of the building itself, DDC Clinic supports the health of our patients and their families, our staff and members of the community by ensuring fresh air to breath, natural lighting and a reduction of gasses emitted by carpeting, adhesives and paint.
Conserves Energy and Water
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) were used to construct the building. As a result, the building is well insulated, reducing the need for heating and cooling. High efficiency windows also contribute to a more efficient building.
A geothermal heating and cooling system takes advantage of the ability of the earth to provide natural heating and cooling. Not only does this save energy, it also saves money. The operating costs of the geothermal system are considerably less than traditional heating and cooling systems.
Lighting controls reduce the use of electricity; lights are on timers, motion or daylight sensors.
High efficiency, low flush toilets and urinals and motion-activated, low flow faucets conserve water.
Incorporates Recycled Materials
Here are just some of the recycled materials used in building the facility:
-
Drywall ~ recycled gypsum
-
Tile ~ recycled cement
-
Driveway ~ recycled concrete for first two layers
-
Entranceway Logo ~ recycled glass
-
Carpet ~ recycled materials
-
Roof ~ recycled steel (and it won’t need to be replaced for 60-70 years!)
Reflects the natural, historical and cultural features of the community
From the beginning, the clinic was designed to blend with the surrounding area and look more like an Amish structure than a medical clinic. One of the most stunning features of the new building is the front retaining wall; the wall was built with reused barn stone taken from many local sources.
Exterior lights are full cutoff light fixtures which reduce nighttime glare and night light pollution, preserving and protecting a nearby Geauga county observatory park. Hitching rails and bike racks accommodate both the local Amish buggy traffic and those wishing to commute by bicycle.
Our vision was to build a facility that was environmentally sustainable, energy-efficient and healthier for the entire community. Not only did we achieve that vision, we also created a beautiful facility ~ a true medical home ~ that operates efficiently and reduces costs. This will allow valuable resources to be directed towards comprehensive patient care, patient-oriented research and multifaceted education.