GREENsburg Hospital

Situation

A devastating EF-5 tornado decimated the town of Greensburg on May 4, 2007. The existing hospital protected those seeking shelter inside even as the force of the wind-driven debris destroyed it. A new facility needed to be constructed as quickly as possible. Community leaders believed the new hospital should embody the spirit of renewal and strength displayed by the residents of Greensburg. They also wanted to set the standard for sustainability by targeting LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification—the highest rating available from the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Kiowa County Memorial Hospital was to be the first critical-access hospital in the nation to have LEED certification.

Solution

The challenges were many with this endeavor. The first LEED Platinum critical-access facility to be constructed in the United States demanded the highest quality and sustainable construction materials and methods. Central Mechanical Wichita was a critical member of the initial planning team, collaborating with the client and designers and developing both cost and energy models to validate designs.

CMW was subsequently chosen based on its depth of experience to integrate, build and install the myriad of cutting-edge mechanical and recovery systems required for this unique facility.

Bottom Line

Kiowa County Memorial Hospital recently reopened and is now serving the needs of area residents every day in a new facility that embodies the credos of service and sustainability. And although the LEED certification process is not yet complete, leaders are expecting:

• 40 percent reduction in typical operating costs.
• 50 percent decrease in water usage.
• significant decrease in sewer load.
• better indoor air quality.