Baptist Hospital East was recognized recently for its “green” leadership among large corporations in Metro Louisville with an Acorn Award.

The awards, given annually by Operation Brightside, are sponsored by The Green Building. The awards, now in their sixth year, were also given to other categories to Tim Darst (Kentucky Interfaith Power & Light), USBBC Kentucky and Fetter Group.

Baptist East was selected based on several environmentally-friendly initiatives such as the design of Park Tower. The eight-story addition to the hospital is wrapped in glass to maximize natural light and views of Brown Park.

Park Tower also includes a pair of gardens: a healing garden at ground level and a rooftop garden on the second floor. On the third floor, chemotherapy patients in the treatment room can views of a greenscreen wall and three-dimensional trellis system of twined honeysuckle and morning glories.

Energy-saver light bulbs are used throughout the hospital. Products such as fluorescent lights contain a minimal amount of mercury and “neutral” certified green cleaner is used by the Environmental Services department. Environmentally-friendly floor scrubbers strip the floors with no chemicals.

Additionally, the Baptist Eastpoint outpatient services center also incorporates green design elements including motion sensors which automatically shut off lights in unused office and break rooms, water-efficient landscaping and use of low-emitting materials (paint, carpet, etc).

The radiation center, which is attached to the building, has a green roof planted with sedum, which does not need mowing.

The Baptist Eastpoint Cancer Center has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The certification identifies the center as a “pioneering example of sustainable design, demonstrating leadership in transforming the building industry.”

Baptist East also has an employee Green Team which coordinates the recycling of some non-invasive surgical equipment such as blood pressure cuffs, gauze, sponges, basins and needle holders which are donated to Supplies Over Seas, a local organization which ships healthcare supplies to needed areas across the globe.

The hospital was previously a finalist for the Acorn Award.