Emory Musculoskeletal Institute (EMI), the most recent addition to Emory’s Executive Park Innovation District, has earned the U.S. Green Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification–an internationally recognized rating for sustainable and green buildings. On December 8, 2023, the state-of-the-art building received this recognition for reducing its carbon footprint through water efficiency, the use of sustainable materials like precast concrete, enhancement of human health and quality of community life, and protection of biodiversity and ecosystems at the site. Completely powered by renewable energy that is generated onsite or from green energy sources through Renewable Energy Credits (REC), this eco-friendly building fulfills the vision of its designer to promote sustainability at Emory.
As a center that facilitates the restoration of physical mobility and function through diagnosis, treatment and repair of bones, joints and connective tissues, the Emory Musculoskeletal Institute also envisions healing the Earth through its “smart” structure and operations. In the words of Dr. Scott D. Boden, director of the Emory Musculoskeletal Institute and professor and chair of the Department of Orthopaedics at the Emory University School of Medicine, “Strategic lighting in the facility aims to reduce light pollution and helps Emory be a good neighbor to the surrounding community. More than 95 percent of stormwater and runoff water will be contained through a system of bio-swales, retention ponds and underground stormwater systems to enhance on-site water management.” A notable accomplishment in landscape design has been the reintroduction of numerous native deciduous trees to restore the area’s native ecosystem, which has suffered from loss over the years.
This nearly 180,000 square foot Emory Musculoskeletal Institute building with the final installed solar array size of 587.52 kWdc, from (1,836) 320 W modules, is not only a winner for its architectural design but a clear champion in the eyes of Earth for its innovative solutions–from its automatic tinting glass to efficient stormwater management. By remaking the Executive Park Innovation District, Emory University contributes to the revitalization of the bones and sinews of this important space in Atlanta