Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding Becomes First LEED Gold Hospital in Georgia

December 2,2010

ATLANTA (November 2010) – Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding recently achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification, making it the first hospital in the state of Georgia to earn this distinction. Under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Healthcare Green Building Rating System, the pediatric facility is exemplary of a sustainable building designed for better environmental and health performance. Children’s at Hughes Spalding received considerably high marks in the Sustainable Sites, Indoor Environment and Innovation categories.

“We are excited that Children’s at Hughes Spalding has earned this distinction as the first hospital in Georgia to be LEED Gold certified,” said Donna Hyland, President and CEO of Children’s. “This honor affirms that the facility was not only revitalized for the patients we currently serve, but as a sustainable facility, it will continue to enhance the lives of the future children of our community.”

The construction of the renovated and revitalized Children’s at Hughes Spalding was completed in August 2010. The facility, designed by HKS Architects in association with Turner/Duckett, houses specialty clinics, primary care services and an enhanced emergency department. The design incorporates key environmentally-conscious elements, including an underground irrigation system constructed to collect rainwater for outdoor landscaping and to improve water efficiency. The facility also has a reflective roof that maintains cooler temperatures in the building. As a sustainable site, Children’s at Hughes Spalding offers access to public transportation. Alternative transportation is also provided through the incorporation of bicycle storage and changing rooms, as well as preferred parking spots to low-emitting and fuel efficient vehicles in the on-site parking area.

Children’s, a not-for profit organization, relied on generous support from the community to construct the $43 million facility. Designated specifically for green building, Children’s at Hughes Spalding received a transformational gift from the Kendeda Fund. Children’s at Hughes Spalding was also recently recognized as the Atlanta Downtown Design Excellence Award winner in the community category.



Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a not-for-profit organization, is committed to enhancing the lives of children through excellence in patient care, research and education. Managing more than half a million patient visits annually at three hospitals and 16 neighborhood locations, Children’s is one of the largest clinical care providers for children in the country. Children’s offers access to more than 30 pediatric specialties and is ranked among the top children’s hospitals by Parents magazine and U.S.News & World Report. With generous philanthropic and volunteer support, Children’s has made an impact in the lives of children in Georgia, the United States and throughout the world. Visit www.choa.org for more information.