Green & Clean Committee

Johnson Dermatology builds a new green clinic
March 2011
 
The team of Johnson Dermatology strives not only to provide the highest level of dermatologic care to our community but also to provide a healthy sustainable environment for the present and the future.   That is why we have worked diligently to have the first medical clinic and first dermatology clinic in the state of Arkansas to seek Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.  

With LEED certification, the building is “truly green”. The new clinic is almost 12,000 square feet and will contain medical space utilizing a pod style for 5 providers, procedure rooms, laboratory, lasers, and an aesthetics area. We worked closely with our architects at MAHG and our builders at Beshears Construction because they are LEED accredited and environmentally conscious local professionals. They designed the project and have helped us every step of the way.  Granted, this is not the least expensive way to have a clinic.  We do however feel that as medical professionals and community leaders, we owe it to our community, our patients, and our children to invest in a workplace that is as environmentally friendly as possible.  
 
Johnson Dermatology was created in 2006 by Drs Brad and Sandy Johnson, a husband and wife dermatology team.  From the inception, we have utilized an electronic health records (EHR) system to minimize paper waste working with Coleman Technologies, employ cloth gowns instead of paper and utilize an in house recycling system. Building an environmentally sustainable clinic is one more step to show that we care about the health of our patients, community and our world
 
We worked diligently with our architects and builders during the design phase to create a healthy, aesthetically pleasing, environmentally sustainable clinic.  During construction, the majority of our materials were locally purchased, manufactured and harvested.  A construction waste management plan was implemented to recycle all construction waste, including drywall. Construction materials were selected that had high recyclable content and low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including paints, carpet, and adhesives. Natural light is abundant in every room of the building. Artificial light is controlled with motion sensors to minimize unnecessary electrical use.  There are more than 50 temperature controls throughout the building to provide individual control for the people in the building.  Heating and cooling of the air is provided with a geothermal source. Rain water will be harvested and stored for non potable water usage such as for flushing toilets.  Indoor air quality was an area of focus during the construction phase and special Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV)-rated filters were installed on air-handling units to catch airborne particles.   
 
During the entire process, attention was given to maximize the patient experience as well as to provide a great place for employment.  Just one look at the reception areas and the break room will demonstrate the attention to detail given to minimize anxiety and create a relaxed comfortable feeling to all who enter the building. Sustainable materials were used in the entry way and reception areas with natural lighting, wood ceilings, and recyclable materials. We, the team of Johnson Dermatology, have tried to create a healthy positive environment for our community as we continue to strive to deliver the highest level of dermatologic care.  For more information about Drs. Brad and Sandy Johnson or other clinic providers please peruse our website www.johnsondermatology.com.  For more information, visit www.mahgarch.com (architects), www.beshearsconstruction.com (contractors),   www.ViridianUSA.com (LEED accreditation), www.colemantechllc.com (EHR).