Modesto is our home, too, and we want to keep it healthy in every way. The Kaiser Permanente Modesto Medical Center has been designed to be one of the "greenest" medical facilities in the nation—from the floors to the ceilings and everywhere in between!
One of the greenest health
care
facilities in the United States
The 670,000-square-foot Modesto Medical Center is leading the way in the implementation of many of the organization’s environmental initiatives, including furnishings and fixtures that use fewer toxic chemicals, energy-reducing materials, and health-promoting features and facility design.
Flooring: Much of the traditional vinyl flooring—which contains harmful toxic chemicals—has given way to rubber, a healthy alternative that’s more durable, easier to clean, and provides greater cushion underfoot (which our staff appreciates). All the carpeting in the facility is PVC-free—Kaiser Permanente worked with manufacturers to develop this new carpeting that uses fewer VOCs (volatile organic compounds, which have been known to cause some cancers and trigger asthma attacks). This new carpeting has become a standard for all Kaiser Permanente facilities, and has potential for widespread application throughout the health care industry.
Energy efficiency: Motion-sensor lighting conserves power by turning off lights when rooms are not in use. Rooftop solar panels generate electricity (enough to power 30 homes) and reduce the energy consumption of the facility. Reflective roofing material helps maintain consistent temperatures inside the building, requiring less heating and cooling. Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems and backup generators consume less electricity.
Fewer toxins: All cleaning and maintenance materials (paint, etc.) are lower in toxic chemicals than most traditional materials.
Smart procurement: Kaiser Permanente has been recognized for its smart procurement policies, which require that we actively seek out firms with a similar environmental commitment. We purchase products manufactured in an environmentally responsible way, and we choose local companies when possible, so that we reduce the distance needed to ship goods and the amount of gas consumed. We also choose products that use less energy. For example, all new computers purchased by Kaiser Permanente must be Energy Star compliant, so that we can save a lot of energy.
Comprehensive recycling program: During construction, we recycled more than 80 percent of our waste and kept tons of material from going to landfills. When the facility becomes fully operational, a comprehensive program will be in place to reduce consumption of disposable material and recycle as much as possible.
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