BURLINGTON, VT The General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) at The University of Vermont Medical Center has achieved LEED Gold certification from the Green Building Certification Institute. PC Construction worked closely with the Medical Center, designer MorrisSwitzer and BVH Integrated Services to build the nearly 11,000-square-foot research facility.

Work included the complete demolition of the previous Radiation Oncology department, which boasted concrete walls up to 4-feet-thick and linear accelerator bases. Additional scope included under slab plumbing reconfiguration, roof replacement, and reconfiguration and fit-up of the new space to meet the GCRC requirements. The GCRC relocation will accommodate the medical center's new Mother-Baby Unit, which PC Construction is currently completing.

The GCRC's overall energy performance was a driving factor in achieving LEED Gold. The effort to maximize energy efficiency came from reducing lighting power, making use of low-energy appliances, and installing an HVAC system with optimized performance.

The design and location of this project contributed significantly to its LEED score. The GCRC received points for community connectivity and alternative transportation with multiple bus lines serving the area. Accommodations for cyclists, such as bicycle storage and changing rooms, were also incorporated into the design.

In addition, PC Construction made use of recycled and locally sourced materials to reduce transportation-related energy consumption and help support the local economy. There was also a substantial effort to ensure a healthy indoor environment, which involved an air quality plan that used low-emitting furniture, paints and glues, as well as certified wood.

The project was successfully constructed on an aggressive six-month schedule without any safety incidents.