| News Release: May 23, 2008: Bastyr University teaching clinic recognized by United States Green Building Counc... | November 21, 2009 |
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NEWS RELEASE BASTYR UNIVERSITY TEACHING CLINIC RECOGNIZED BY UNITED STATES GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL FOR COMPLIANCE WITH HIGH ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDSBastyr Center for Natural Health Awarded LEED® Green Building Certification May 23, 2008 – Seattle, WA – Bastyr University, the nation's leading academic institution for the study of natural medicine, today announced that its teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, has been awarded LEED-CI (Commercial Interiors) Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED is the USGBC's leading edge system for designing and constructing the world's greenest, energy efficient, high performing buildings. LEED-CI is the recognized standard for certifying high-performance green interiors that are healthy and productive places to work, less costly to operate and maintain, and reduce the environmental footprint. "Part of Bastyr University's role as a pioneer in natural health arts and sciences education is to encourage and enable our students and the community to live sustainably," says Bastyr University President Daniel K. Church, PhD. "Receiving LEED Certification for our teaching clinic is a significant milestone in furthering our mission to enhance the health and well-being of the human community." Located in Seattle's Wallingford/Fremont neighborhood, Bastyr Center for Natural Health was designed by CollinsWoerman, a local architecture, planning and interior design firm known for health care planning and design as well as commercial, mixed-use, science and technology. Bastyr Center is the largest natural health clinic in the Pacific Northwest and it achieved LEED Certification for energy and material use, as well as for incorporating a variety of other sustainable features into its interior design. "Bastyr Center for Natural Health is to be congratulated for achieving LEED Certification," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO, Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. "The certification of its teaching clinic sends a message that Bastyr University cares about the health of the building's users and employees. Everyone's comfort, safety and well-being will benefit from the fresh air and natural daylight." LEED Certification of Bastyr Center for Natural Health was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. Notable green features include the use of comfortable, sustainable cork and marmoleum floors, an enhanced mechanical air venting system addressing indoor air quality and the use of low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for adhesives, paints and materials. Marmoleum creates less off-gassing than conventional vinyl petroleum floor products; it's a sustainable resource made of natural products including linseed oil and a degradable hemp burlap backing. The LEED Certification of Bastyr Center is one of several environmentally conscious initiatives implemented by Bastyr University to encourage sustainable living practices. The University's campus features an herb garden that is planted and maintained by students, and used in food preparation at the University's renowned vegetarian cafeteria. The garden is also fertilized with nutrient-rich compost created by food waste from the cafeteria. Additionally, the University recently implemented a transportation initiative designed to ease traffic congestion in the community and inspire lifestyle changes that have long-term benefits for the environment. About the U.S. Green Building Council The U.S. Green Building Council is a nonprofit community of leaders working to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated. USGBC envisions an environmentally responsible, healthy, and prosperously built environment that improves the quality of life. Founded in 1993, the Council now comprises more than 9,500 member organizations representing every sector of the building industry; a 90-person professional staff; and a network of over 70 local chapters, affiliates and organizing groups. USGBC offers a broad portfolio of LEED green building products and services; professional education programs; and the industry's popular Greenbuild International Conference and Expo. Visit www.usgbc.org to learn more. About LEED The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is a voluntary third party rating system where credits are earned for satisfying specified green building criteria. Projects are evaluated within six environmental categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality. Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels of green building certification are awarded based on the total credits earned. The LEED standard has been adopted nationwide by federal agencies, state and local governments, and interested private companies as the industry standard of measurement for green building. ABOUT BASTYR UNIVERSITY The University offers Bachelor of Science degrees with majors in exercise science and wellness, health psychology, herbal sciences, nutrition, nutrition and culinary arts, and a dual major in nutrition and exercise science. Graduate programs include naturopathic medicine, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, nutrition, and nutrition and clinical health psychology. Student clinical training takes place at Bastyr Center for Natural Health in Seattle's Fremont/Wallingford neighborhood and at many external sites throughout the region. For additional information about Bastyr University and its teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, visit www.bastyr.edu or www.bastyrcenter.org. 
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