The Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland has become the first Colorado hospital to earn gold certification through the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.

The certification means MCR is one of the two “greenest” hospitals in the nation.

LEED gold certification signifies that MCR was built in a way that it reduces waste and harmful greenhouse gas emissions; conserves energy and water; and provides a healthier and safer environment for patients, visitors and employees. Gold certification is one of the top recognitions offered by the U.S. Green Building Council.

MCR is the second hospital in the nation to receive gold certification. The other is Providence Newberg Hospital, Newberg, Oregon.

“The gold certification is a tremendous honor,” said George Hayes, MCR president and CEO. “Our vision from the very beginning was for MCR to be a sensitively designed family-centered hospital that has a low impact on the environment.”

With 136-beds, 595,000-square feet and five stories, MCR uses 35 percent less energy than other hospitals. The building relies on natural lighting; carefully managed water usage; advanced computer systems that result in a paper-light work setting; and, among other features, efficient heating and cooling systems that enhance staff and patient comfort while reducing heating bills.

MCR opened in February 2007 after more than two years of construction that followed LEED protocol. For example, at least 20 percent of the construction materials used at MCR had recycled content and 50 percent of the materials were harvested locally. Recycling efforts diverted more than 75 percent of the construction debris from local landfills.

Bob Gance, director of MCR’s facilities department, said that following LEED protocol assured sustainability well into the future.

“MCR is extremely ‘green’ and has cost-saving efficiencies and sustainability with a nurturing environment for patients, visitors and employees,” Gance said. “The bottom line: MCR is a hospital that goes far beyond others in the nation.”