Bridgepoint Hospital (Bridgepoint) in Toronto, Ont. recently became the first hospital in the city to receive a LEED silver certification from the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC). Finished in 2013, the purpose-built hospital provides rehabilitative care and health care for individuals living with complex health conditions.

Some of the sustainable highlights that helped Bridgepoint earn the silver status include:

• A building design that is 30 per cent more energy-efficient than a standard building code development, resulting in approximately $900,000 in savings per year;
• Storm water run-off systems to irrigate gardens;
• The installation of 72 bicycle racks;
• The reintroduction of native plants to the hospital grounds;
• A 32 per cent reduction in water waste through the use of efficient washroom fixtures;
• A high-performance heat recovery system, air conditioning system and high-efficiency boilers;
• Energy-efficient lighting systems and double-glazed windows;
• Construction materials partially derived from recycled contents and local providers; and
• The diversion of 98 per cent of construction waste from landfills.

The hospital, located at 14 Saint Matthews Rd., also achieved a perfect score in the CaGBC’s Innovation and Design Process category.