Growing Green

Growing-Green-1From the Fall 2011 StayHealthy publication

Recycling, conserving and preserving . . . it’s happening every day at Porter’s new hospital, going up at US 6 and IN 49.

Since construction began in June 2010, nearly 2,100 tons of waste has been generated at the site with more than 83 percent of it being diverted from landfills. This is good news considering construction and demolition waste is the largest single source in the country’s waste stream. Porter’s construction recycling program was developed by General Contractor Robins & Morton.

What Goes Where?
There’s no co-mingling of waste in construction recycling. Subcontractors at the new hospital site put all recyclable material into clearly labeled bins. Concrete in one; bricks, masonry and mortar in another; metal and plastic in a different one; wood and drywall in their own place; and, finally, paper and cardboard in another.

It’s a Natural
The new hospital has a pond on site, which is filled by rain, which in turn will be used to water and irrigate the landscaping. In another move, bioswales – landscape elements that clean water runoff and slow the flow of rainwater into the sewer system – are being added to the parking lots.


Visit the Porter Health System website
Valparaiso Campus
814 LaPorte Avenue
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: 219-263-4600

Lights Out
With the use of occupancy sensors in some areas of the hospital, Porter reduces its energy use, and improved energy efficiency can reduce emissions that contribute to global warming, mercury contamination in lakes, acid rain and nuclear waste. Saved Water = Energy & Cost Savings By installing energy efficient plumbing fixtures, Porter will create a smaller carbon footprint and reduce its sewer and water bills. The use of low- flow toilets, urinals, sinks, and shower fixtures; high-efficiency clothes washers; and low water consumption food service appliances all improve water use efficiency.

By the Numbers
The amount of construction material recycled since June 2010

  • Wood & Drywall: 946 tons
  • Concrete: 695 tons
  • Bricks/Masonry/Mortar: 247 tons
  • Metal & Plastic: 96 tons
  • Paper & Cardboard: 75 tons
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