Reid Hospital Roof Going Green
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowReid Hospital in Richmond has nearly completed the installation of a $200,000 “green roof” on part of its patient tower. Hospital leaders say the structure will create natural insulation and increase energy efficiency.
July 10, 2013
News Release
Funded by the efforts of Reid Auxiliary and adding another major feature to the campus healing environment, installation was completed Wednesday of a “green roof” on a portion of the hospital's patient tower.
“We are so excited to see this great addition taking shape on our campus,” said Craig Kinyon, Reid President/CEO. “This improvement becomes a highlight of a campus that was designed with healing in mind in the careful planning that preceded construction of our new facilities on Reid Parkway.”
A green roof is created when vegetation is used over a waterproofing membrane to cover a building roof. They create natural insulation and absorb rainwater, reducing runoff, and contributing to energy efficiency in the process. For Reid's project, the plants will be added to produce a design formation with plants that flower at different seasons.
Kinyon said the green roof is being added to a “very visible” roof that extends off the patient tower on the first floor. The rooftop is visible from the second floor to the sixth floor of the hospital. Since the new Reid patient tower opened in 2008, the roof has been “a stark contrast” to the gardens, water features and exterior and interior artwork specifically planned to promote healing for patients and families being cared for at Reid.
The green roof will also:
• Save money. The added layers of plants and roof membrane contribute to the life of the roof surface and also contribute to energy efficiency.
• Be environmentally friendly. The green roof will absorb rainwater, reducing storm water runoff.
• And contribute to the established healing environment. Research has shown that patients heal more quickly and effectively when green spaces are part of the care environment.
“The idea of a green roof was discussed as the replacement hospital was being completed,” Kinyon said, “but funding and sufficient research was not available at the time to support the idea.” The roof ncludes a design of heat tolerant plantings that will offer changes of color through different seasons.
The Reid Auxiliary, which raises thousands of dollars to support patient care, remained interested in the concept and allocated more than $200,000 to help fund it. “We are so appreciative of the efforts of our Auxiliary and their impact on patient care,” said Randy Kirk, vice president and Reid Foundation President. He noted that community philanthropy supported the addition of healing gardens and art displays on the Reid campus. The Auxiliary raises funds through various sales at the hospital and through the proceeds of the Ginkgo Boutique gift shop on Reid’s main concourse.
Jon Ford, chair of Reid's governing board, said that “healing environment” was one of the major priorities targeted as the replacement hospital was conceived and planned. “A personal health crisis can be eased by the right surroundings and environment,” he said. “Combined with the best technology and people delivering the care, this is a major factor in Reid’s success as a leader in excellence.”
The Reid Governing Board announced the decision to build a replacement hospital campus in 2000 after careful study of options for the future. The decision to move and start over in a new space was determined to be the most cost effective decision for the long-term. And from early in the project, guidelines were established to ensure the planning resulted in a state-of-the-art campus with the latest technology and a design that would contribute to the healing process, body, mind and spirit per the hospital’s mission.
“This plan included art, art gallery, gardens and sculptures, but it also included technology such as the 'Vocera' system,” said Kinyon. This communication-call system has virtually eliminated overhead paging on the campus, resulting in a quieter environment for patients and their families. A bedside system also provides phone, computer and TV-entertainment in each private room.
“The roof, the technology, the use of nature on our campus are also joined by other 'green' efforts including recycling,” Kinyon noted. Vickie Bryant, director of environmental services, said Reid’s recycling efforts began long before the move to the new campus. “We began recycling in the 1980s with the basics of paper, aluminum, plastics and cardboard. It has grown and evolved over the years to also include items like fluorescent lamps, batteries and waste oil.”
Bryant said that in 2012, the hospital recycled 123 tons of cardboard, almost a half-ton of rechargeable batteries, a half-ton of light bulbs and almost 97 tons of paper, for example.
“Besides the emphasis on a healing environment, we believe recycling helps us heal the environment,” Bryant said.
The campus healing environment includes:
• The Matthews Meditation Garden, featuring a labyrinth, waterfall and Ginkgo plaza, centered around a Ginkgo tree that was planted in honor of Reid’s history dating to the opening of the original Reid Memorial Hospital in 1905.
• The Hunt Healing Garden, between the Outpatient Care Center and Medical Office Building, with plantings and outdoor sculptures.
• Water features, including two at the main entrance to the campus with seasonal fountains.
• Commissioned art featuring the work of local, regional and national artists and rotating art exhibits in the MacDowell Gallery on the second floor of the Outpatient Care Center.
• “DreamWorks”, a cloud sculpture suspended over the main lobby.
• And assorted sculptures, tapestry and glass works.
Kirk noted that a capital campaign in 2005 raised almost $7 million and funded all of the healing environment art and landscaping features. “This healing environment was truly built by the community of supporters to enhance our efforts to provide the greatest care in a calm and comforting surrounding,” he said. “The green roof addition is a ‘natural’ step in these efforts.”
Source: Reid Hospital and Health Care Services