Kaiser Opens Green Medical Center in Modesto

Kaiser Permanente, the healthcare giant, has announced that its Modesto Medical Center, in Modesto, California, will open in October 2008. The project includes the largest installation west of the Mississippi, according to Kaiser; native, drought-tolerant landscaping; reflective roofing; a 50-kilowatt photovoltaic array; and PVC-free carpeting that Collins & Aikman developed at Kaiser’s request.

The green features resulted in significant savings: the permeable paving reduced the need for stormwater drains, saving $290,000, for example, and rebates for energy-related products and strategies saved more than $100,000.

The 670,000-ft² (36,000-m²) facility—which includes an office wing and a 220-bed hospital wing—cost $430 million.