SIH Cancer Center

The new, 44,000-square-foot cancer center is a one-story building that includes two radiation vaults, medical oncology infusion spaces, medical clinic suites, administrative offices, small lab, small rehab gym, meeting rooms, small retail space, and small self-service eating area. The Cancer Center provides a healing and comfortable environment by using natural materials, plenty of natural light, and views of the surrounding landscape to promote wellness and healing to patients, staff and visitors. Thanks to the dedication of the owner and design team who committed themselves to designing and building a facility that met sustainable goals, the SIH Cancer Center achieved LEED certification. Sustainable achievements of the SIH Cancer Center include: Integrated Planning and Design: A successful partnership was developed with Southern Illinois Healthcare that included a thorough understanding of their mission and goals and clear communication from the beginning of the project to the end. This included kicking off the project with multiple LEED-specific meetings and design charrettes followed by a continuous focus on sustainable issues throughout the design and construction phases. Water Efficiency The team employed strategies that in aggregate use 20 percent less water than the water use baseline calculated for the building (not including irrigation.) The building was also designed to use minimum potable water for medical equipment cooling. Potable water usage is only acceptable in emergency backup systems or where local requirements mandate. Improved Energy Performance The building demonstrates a 10 percent improvement in the proposed building energy performance rating compared with the baseline building performance rating. Refrigerant Management Zero use of chlorofluorocarbon-based refrigerants are used in the building’s heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigerating systems. Storage and Collection of Recyclables Easily accessible areas for the collection and storage of recyclable items are incorporated throughout the entire facility. Indoor Air Quality Air quality within the facility is of the utmost importance. Ventilation within the building meets the strict requirements of Sections 6 through 8 of ASHRAE Standard 170-2008, Ventilation of Health Care Facilities. Smoking in the building and on the campus is prohibited, ensuring occupants do not inadvertently come in contact with environmental tobacco smoke when occupying, entering or leaving the facility.