PA Governor Helps Fund ‘Green’ Hospital

Pennsylvania’s Governor Mark Schweiker announced $5 million in capital budget redevelopment assistance to help the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh build one of the first environmentally “green” hospitals in the nation and create 600 jobs.

The new $500 million, 1.1 million-square-foot Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh will be built using environmentally “green” technology and design on the old St. Francis Medical Center’s campus in Lawrenceville. It will include an inpatient tower, ambulatory care facility, parking garage and a new pediatric research facility.

The new hospital is expected to be completed in 2007.

“The Commonwealth is excited to be a partner in this important project,” Gov. Schweiker said. “Pennsylvania is a leader in using green technology in its buildings, and now Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh joins us in that leadership role as it relates to construction of their new hospital.

“Additionally, this project will help keep Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh at the forefront of providing world-class health care to infants, children and young adults.

“I applaud the General Assembly for supporting this worthwhile project, which will have significant benefits for the region and help us continue to build a New Pennsylvania.”

The benefits of green technology include a healthier environment for patients and employees, lower utility costs, less solid waste going into landfills and an air-filtration system that will lower emissions.