Harvey Anderson

Problems with air circulation and moisture infiltration are common in older medical facilities and something facilities management staff at SMDC had to deal with on occasion, according to Harvey Anderson, vice president of facilities for SMDC.

Anderson was concerned that airborne dust and other particulate matter, molds, and off-gassing chemicals from adhesives, finishes, and fabrics were harmful to patients, particularly cancer patients whose immune systems were compromised or who were suffering nausea and other side effects of treatment.And he hoped that by selecting certain materials and equipment and paying attention to construction methods and ventilation, they could improve air quality.
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As committee members learned what LEED certification entailed, "it just took off," Anderson says of pursuing the designation.SMDC saw it as a way to improve the health of patients, staff, and the community."Why would we not want to do it?"he says."We're in health care.
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The most challenging aspect of the project, according to Anderson, was the issue of indoor air quality.That, he says, required multiple actions, including specifying that their contractor cover all ducts and pipes before they were installed to keep out dust, using low-VOC-emitting glues, paints, carpeting, and fabrics, and insisting that furniture arrive wrapped in blankets rather than cardboard (again, to minimize dust).The efforts proved worthwhile when the air was finally tested.The company they hired reported that the level of VOCs was the lowest they'd seen in any building."There was no smell," Anderson says.

The rationale for the Duluth Clinic expansion was geared more towards creating a healthy building, said Harvey Anderson, vice-president of facilities at parent St. Mary's/Duluth Clinic Health System.

The new Duluth Clinic building also uses 32 percent less energy than a building of comparable size that simply meets code requirements, Anderson said.

Harvey Anderson, vice president of facilities, said SMDC plans to start seeing patients in the new building starting April 24.
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SMDC asked for two-way traffic to begin in early April so residents and patients would have time to adjust to it, Anderson explained.

"We think it's a good idea to give it some time so people can get used to the change," he said.

The complete extension was important for downtown residents and businesses for two reasons, said Harvey Anderson, SMDC's vice president of facilities.

"The extension is an access to health care for downtown people," Anderson said.

Harvey Anderson, SMDC's vice president of facilities, noted proudly that there's no "new-car smell" to be detected in the new building.

He explained that furniture, carpeting, glues and paints were carefully selected to minimize odor and chemical emissions.

The fully finished Cancer Center sat unused for two weeks before receiving its first patients.During that time it was flushed daily with fresh air.

When members of a testing firm assessed the center's air quality shortly before its opening, Anderson said they found the lowest level of volatile organic compounds they had ever seen in a new building.
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Anderson estimated that seeking the certification will add about $500,000 to the cost of the new 200,000-square-foot building.But he has no misgivings.

"It was the right thing to do," he said.

As work continues on the rest of the First Street building, construction crews will take special care to keep dust contained and to a minimum, Anderson said.

"LEED Gold certification is very difficult to obtain and demonstrates our commitment to providing patients, employees, and visitors with the healthiest environment possible," said SMDC Vice President of Facilities Planning Harvey Anderson.