Franklin Woods Community Hospital didn’t have a ribbon-cutting ceremony when it opened its new building in June 2010. It held a vine-cutting ceremony.

The medical center in Johnson City became the first “green” hospital in Tennessee, having been granted a silver certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design by the U.S. Green Building Council.

“Most health-care facilities in the country have received general LEED certification, but for Franklin Woods we aimed higher and expected to receive at least a silver certification,” says David Nicely, Franklin Woods Community Hospital CEO and a vice president with Mountain States Health Alliance, the hospital's parent company.

Aah, Like a Spa

Nicely says Franklin Woods almost has a spa-like feel with water features, gardens, wood beams, glass walls, indoor trees and plenty of green space and natural light. The floors are made of cork instead of ceramic tile or wood, and the back of the hospital is a dense forest that will remain untouched.

A big reason why hospital officials decided to go “green” is because studies show that aesthetic and environmental features will benefit both patients and staff, and boost their spirits as they work and heal. Other amenities at the hospital include walking trails and healing gardens filled with benches, picnic tables and water fountains.

“This hospital is putting a strong emphasis on wellness and energy efficiency,” Nicely says.

Patients All Over the Valley

The 240,000-square-foot hospital was constructed on a 25-acre lot adjacent to The Wellness Center inside Med Tech Park. Franklin Woods Community Hospital is a not-for-profit medical facility that has 80 beds and offers a full array of primary care and some specialty services to patients throughout Northeast Tennessee Valley.