Walsh Bros. celebrates LEED Gold certification

According to Walsh Brothers, Inc. the South Pavilion at Women and Infants Hospital in Rhode Island has been certified Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) through its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. Walsh Bros. was the construction manager for the South Pavilion project, which represents the first new hospital construction project in New England to achieve LEED Gold level certification by the USGBC. The 5-story building addition is now home to the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). From the project's inception building an environmentally conscious healthcare facility was a top priority. The design and construction of the building sought to create a facility that would balance evidence based design, aesthetics, economy, and sustainability. This LEED Gold achievement is a result of a collaborative effort between the construction manager, Walsh Bros., the designer, Anshen + Allen, and the Women & Infants' project management leaders, staff, and trustees. The entire project team worked together throughout the design and construction process to identify every potential LEED opportunity while ensuring that the quality of care and design was never marginalized. The new facility has been recognized for incorporating green energy use, lighting, water, specialized low-emitting materials, and for a comprehensive material management and recycling program facilitated by Walsh Bros. during construction. Walsh recycled 89% of the construction waste produced during the construction process.