Green Construction and Sustainability:
In keeping with The Ohio State University’s Green Build Policy and commitment to sustainable energy and environmental use, the Medical Center Expansion project incorporates many of the latest advances in environmentally responsible construction.
The Medical Center Expansion project will seek a LEED Silver Certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ for its use of sustainable and eco-friendly material, technologies and building practices.
Among the sustainability initiatives incorporated into the design of this project are:
- In the demolition phases:
- Building materials (glass, stone, metal, etc.) are separated for recycling, thus diverting a significant amount of waste from local landfills.
- In the construction phases:
- Construction materials have an emphasis on high-recycled content
- Construction materials are being sourced from suppliers within 500 miles to reduce emissions from the transportation of materials.
- In the ongoing maintenance and operation of the building:
- The tower will be 20-percent more efficient in its energy and resource use than similar-use facilities.
- Mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades completed as part of the new construction project will result in greater efficiencies and savings in operational costs and energy in adjacent Medical Center buildings.
- All patient rooms and 60 percent of other spaces will utilize natural lighting and reduce power use required for artificial lighting.
- A smart lighting system will include highly efficient super T8 lamps, dimmers, occupancy sensors and zoning.
- Green Roofs will minimize heat-island effect and provide exterior plaza areas accessible to patients and visitors.
- Energy recovery wheels on non-hazardous exhaust will capture heat to condition incoming air and reduce energy costs.
- A chilled-water plant will remove the need for single-building chiller systems and is expected to reduce energy and maintenance costs.
- Ample bicycle racks will be installed to encourage non-fossil fuel transportation options.
- On-site educational kiosks will explain the project’s sustainability initiatives.
Construction Progress and Timeline
Medical Center Expansion project activities have been under way for several years to move various offices and services from the building site. These projects included the addition of two floors to the Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital, a new Gastrointestinal and MRI facility, a faculty office tower on 12th Avenue and the OSU Eye and Ear Institute.
The Medical Center Expansion project is part of the One Ohio State Framework, a 50-year master plan for University resource, building and land use. In accordance with the Framework, the Medical Center Expansion project includes large swaths of green space, including the new Phyllis Jones Legacy Park and the new Chlois G. Ingram “Spirit of Women” Park. Also, underground electrical, HVAC and technology infrastructure is being installed in a way that allows for the future relocation of Cannon Drive to the west and the creation of additional green space and recreation areas.
Preparation work for the most prominent feature of the Medical Center Expansion, the new James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute and the critical care tower, began with the demolition of Means Hall in late 2009 and early 2010.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new hospital and center was held on June 18, 2010, with construction beginning immediately after. Construction on the new hospital and critical care tower is projected to conclude in 2014.
Cramblett Hall is scheduled for demolition between January and July 2012.
Construction Team
Design and Construction Partners
The Medical Center Expansion project has been designed and is being constructed by internationally renowned firms that specialize in healthcare facilities.
The architecture team consists of HOK, a leader in healthcare design, and locally owned and operated Moody Nolan.
Turner and Bovis Lend Lease, consistently ranked among the top construction managers of healthcare facilities by Modern Healthcare magazine, is the lead construction manager of the project. There are 48 on-site management staff.
The Medical Center Expansion Project Management Office at 630 Ackerman Road oversees all of the teams involved with the design and construction of the new facilities, as well as day-to-day operation and budget for the project.
The Project Management office has hosted open houses for local and regional contractors and suppliers to promote partnerships for future bidding opportunities. As of April 2011, approximately 70 percent of the contracted project work has been placed with Ohio contractors.
Although state requirements for EDGE (Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity) participation on the Medical Center Expansion project is 5 percent, University leaders have set a goal of 20 percent participation for EDGE-certified economically and socially disadvantaged business enterprises. There has been a strong emphasis on EDGE involvement from subcontractors on all bid packages and trades.
Construction Workforce Development
Construction workforce development initiatives include:
- Significant communication and partnering efforts with union and non-union organizations including multiple trade unions as well as non-union trade training institutions.
- Partnerships with local organizations such as the National Center for Urban Solutions, St. Stephens Community House, OSU Department of African American and African Studies Community Extension Center, and Columbus Urban League to recruit minority workers and to prepare individuals for apprenticeship applications and interviews