Oct. 6, 2009 (PR Newswire) -- FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Oct. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cogdell Spencer ERDMAN is pleased to announce that the Botsford Hospital Cancer Center has been certified at the LEED Silver level by the U.S. Green Building Council. This is the first USGBC LEED Silver Certified health care facility in southeastern Michigan.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an internationally recognized green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, providing third-party verification that a building was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all metrics that matter most: sustainable site solutions, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere optimization, materials and finishes, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. LEED is a point-based system where building projects earn LEED points for satisfying green building criteria. Certification is graded at certified, silver, gold and platinum levels.

"We are proud of this recognition and will continue to take steps to protect our environment," said Paul LaCasse, President and CEO, Botsford Health Care. "Green initiatives are important to our employees and are a fine example of our commitment to being a good neighbor."

Botsford Comprehensive Cancer Center achieved sustainable solutions in the following areas

--  Site development to maximize open space
--  Stormwater management systems
--  Interior and exterior lighting
--  Water efficient landscaping
--  Water use reduction through low-flow lavatories, kitchen and exam sinks
and dual-flush toilets
--  Optimizing energy performance
--  Construction waste management program
--  Use of buildings materials with recycled content
--  Building materials sourced from within a 500 mile radius of project
location
--  Use of wood from suppliers who have received Forest Stewardship
Certification
--  All indoor adhesive and sealant products comply with VOC criteria
--  Indoor paint and coating products comply with GreenSeal and other
standards
--  Carpeting made from low-emitting materials
--  No urea-formaldehyde used in indoor composite wood and agrifiber
materials
--  Green Housekeeping program reducing the use of toxic chemicals

--  Innovative design incorporating an onsite healing garden

A highlight of the project is the healing garden designed to bring beauty and serenity to the cancer center. Healing gardens are a vital aspect of the care environment.