SustainableBusiness.com Newswire
04/22/2009 01:58 PM ET
News from: American Cancer Society Awarded LEED Gold Certification
American Cancer Society Awarded LEED Gold Certification
Award is the first of its kind in New York City
April 21, 2009 (New York, NY)- The American Cancer Society of New York and New Jersey announced today that is has been awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
The building is located at 132 West 32nd Street and houses the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge New York City, Jerome L. Greene Family Center (Hope Lodge NYC).
This is the first nationwide healthcare not-for-profit in New York City to achieve LEED Gold certification. LEED is the USGBC's leading rating system for designing and constructing the world's greenest, most energy efficient, and high performing buildings.
Located just steps from Penn Station Hope Lodge NYC meets an urgent, practical need for free, comfortable, safe housing in the heart of New York City and is the only free facility of its kind in the New York metro area providing lodging and support services for those who must travel far from home to access specialized cancer treatments. Since opening its doors in November 2007, Hope Lodge NYC has served over 2,200 patients and their families.
"We have a responsibility to conduct our business in a manner which minimizes our impact on the environment," said Donald Distasio, CEO, American Cancer Society of New York and New Jersey. "Hope Lodge New York City reflects our commitment to survivorship by providing free lodging and services that help cancer patients gain strength in a time of intense need. At the same time, the innovative building design allows us to reduce operating costs and direct more resources to our mission."
"The American Cancer Society deserves congratulations for achieving the Gold Standard for LEED certification and for their leadership in ensuring Hope Lodge New York City meets today's critical environmental challenges, said Pete Grannis, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
"I am proud to honor the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge New York City for receiving LEED Gold certification and setting an example for environmental responsibility," said Senator Liz Krueger. "Hope Lodge already provides an unequaled service to cancer patients by giving them free housing and support services when they travel to New York City for treatment. Receiving LEED Gold certification is just another example of the American Cancer Society's commitment to improving our world and a recognition of the correlation between environmental and public health. We are truly lucky to have institutions like the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge New York City."
"I am delighted to have the nation's first LEED Gold certified Hope Lodge here in Manhattan, in my district. Hope Lodge New York City is a symbol of our commitment to a healthier people and healthier environment. I applaud the American Cancer Society on this wonderful building, and their great mission of fighting to defeat cancer, and celebrate life."
"The American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge serves thousands of cancer patients each year who come to New York for treatment," said Rohit T. Aggarwala, Director of the Mayor's Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability. "But as a green building that produces minimal emissions, it also benefits the respiratory and cardiovascular health of millions of New Yorkers."
The green features of the building include:
* Energy efficient water and light fixtures, appliances, and office equipment
* Location is near Penn Station, a major mass transit hub. This greatly reduces the need to use private automobiles for transportation, thus reducing the amount of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere.
* All Low -VOC adhesives, sealant, paints, and carpet used
* 83% of construction waste generated from the site was diverted from landfills to local sorting and recycling facilities.
* More than 85% of the wood used is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.
* Herman Miller Furnishings' Ethospace Line were used throughout the building. Ethospace uses glass tiles, translucent materials and lower-height walls to allow more sunlight into an office environment while reducing the use of artificial lighting. Ethospace is made of 35% recycled materials and is up to 78% recyclable at the end of its useful life.
* More than half of the total building materials value is comprised of products manufactured within 500 miles of the project site.
Although Hope Lodge New York City is unique in its scope and size, the American Cancer Society operates nearly 30 existing Hope Lodges near major cancer centers in other cities, and 20 more are planned. The national network is one of many direct patient services offered by the American Cancer Society.
Reservation requests for Hope Lodge New York City are made through medical treatment providers. The American Cancer Society partners with the major cancer centers in New York City to identify patients with the greatest need for accommodations.
To find a Hope Lodge and to learn more about a specific facility, please call the American Cancer Society toll free at 1-800-227-2345 or visit us online at www.cancer.org/hopelodgenyc.
For more information please contact:
Anne Shaknis Project Manager, Communications and Marketing
American Cancer Society
917.270.3867
anne.shaknis@cancer.org
http://www.cancer.org
