Mary, nice of you to post something about the city!  I wonder if LEED certification will lead to decreased health costs, yeah right!

This was a very interesting post, Mary.  It's good to see Green Development playing a greater part in building projects in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  I'm proud to see  a hospital in Michigan leading  in this area!

Isn't that wonderful, Gary and Lola?

LEED-H is the STANDARD for Green Building. The great thing I am finding out about LEED-H is that it takes team effort to bring it all together.

The pharmaceutical companies are not out to change our livestyle, they are just out to put a bandaid on our symptoms. It is big business. Those of us who jump on the band wagon to healthier environments will lead the changes -- and that starts with our own house!!!

Gary and Lola - the support both of you offer means so much! Thanks for your comments!

Lola - Yes, Michigan is leading the country in LEED development - true green! Our state has always been a leader in pursuits, and we will come back again!!!

My new motto?  Rebuilding Michigan...one Hybrid Home at a Time!!!

Thanks!

Mary, I just stopped over at ECO~Stars to drop in on the conversation over there.  It was good to see you actively engaged & contributing.  This area of knowledge is organic & all inclusive of all of our life...our home, our food, our lifestyle etc.  It's indicative of a real paradigm shift ...and it's a good thing.  Thanks for all that you're learning & sharing with us.

Thanks Lola. We are fortunate to live in West Michigan where so many brilliant minds reside. I am so fortunate to be learning from the best of the best -- AR community is a great asset as well.

It is very nice to see the hospitals and commercial developers embracing and truly putting into practice these ideals. :) To your success!

Wow, how cool is that! There is nothing worse then being in a hospital room that overlooks something unpleasent. Kudos to this hospital! Great Story and links Mary!

Thanks Lysa! I think you are right about drab hospital rooms. I also have a friend whose daughter has been hospitalized and in a coma for a couple of weeks in a different hospital. I keep thinking how much more positive the family could be if they had a beautiful roof like that to look over. It is terrible enough to have life turned upside down... family support is so important in the healing process and it just seems to me if they have a view of nature, their attitudes will also be more positive.

Signs of life are always in nature and when a loved one is hospitalized, we are always looking for signs of life.

Not to mention what these roofs do for the environment...What a great combination! Thanks for your contribution!

Thanks Lola - Thanks for keeping an eye out on me! (wink wink!) I love the ECO All-Stars! I never thought I could combine my natural health philosophies with the real estate world but this community is showing me it can be done! I rarely have time to read the other groups because this group is so active and stimulating!

WOW~  As I read your post, I was excited to discover the possibilities for life-affirming features a simple green roof might provide. THX!  Keep us informed about your local happenings...I want to know more.

I will keep you informed JaneAnne -- I think I could go to work full time on this!!!

There is so much going on! I learned about these living roofs a few weeks back. They can either be done in one complete system, as I suspect Metro Hospitals roof is (but not verified) or in a system of trays that will allow for easier repairs to the roof in the event it is necessary. The tray system also allows smaller areas to be replanted easier. I'm making a phone call to the landscaping company now to try and get more "dirt" on this!!!