Covidien, a leading global provider of healthcare products, today announced that its 70,000 square-foot, mixed-use facility here has been awarded the LEED® Silver certification established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
“Covidien is committed to playing a strong leadership role in initiatives that will not only make our facilities run more efficiently, but also contribute to environmental sustainability efforts and resource stewardship,” said Cheryl Impagliazzo, Covidien’s LEED coordinator in the Bedford facility. “We believe the LEED initiative is closely aligned with Covidien’s goal to adopt best practices in energy efficiency and environmental health.”
The Bedford facility achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use, as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.
“Covidien’s LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, USGBC. “The urgency of USGBC’s mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before, and Covidien’s Bedford facility serves as a prime example with just how much we can accomplish.”
LEED certification of the Bedford facility was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. To achieve LEED status, Covidien:
• Installed low-volume faucets and flow restrictors that reduce the building’s water usage by 44% from an estimated 364,500 gallons to 204,638 gallons per year
• Set aside desirable parking designated for low-emission vehicles
• Installed high-efficiency lighting fixtures, including LEDs, motion sensors and compact fluorescent bulbs in order to cut energy consumption by 32% from 59,268 watts to 40,582 watts
• Recycled 88% of the waste generated by demolition and construction
• Used recycled materials for 20% of construction and new furniture.
ABOUT THE U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL
The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.
With a community comprising 80 local affiliates, more than 18,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 155,000 LEED Professional Credential holders, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product from 2009-2013. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.
USGBC was co-founded by current President and CEO Rick Fedrizzi, who spent 25 years as a Fortune 500 executive. Under his leadership, the organization has become the preeminent green building, membership, policy, standards, influential, education and research organization in the nation. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org.
ABOUT LEED
The USGBC’s LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. Over 32,000 projects are currently participating in the commercial and institutional LEED rating systems, comprising over 9.6 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 114 countries.
By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.
ABOUT COVIDIEN
Covidien is a leading global healthcare products company that creates innovative medical solutions for better patient outcomes and delivers value through clinical leadership and excellence. Covidien manufactures, distributes and services a diverse range of industry leading product lines in three segments: Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies. With 2009 revenue of $10.3 billion, Covidien has 42,000 employees worldwide in more than 60 countries, and its products are sold in over 140 countries. Please visit www.covidien.com to learn more about our business.