Shadyside, Pa. — Believed to be the first in this region, a veterinary practice has gone green.
Opened in October, the ecologically friendly East End Veterinary Medical Center seemed a logical step for DVMs Andrea Cangin
and Ken Fisher — both environmentally concerned veterinarians wanting to do their part to help conserve, recycle and reduce.
Their 3,000-square-foot facility, comprised of exam, surgery and treatment areas, a waiting room and staff office area, is
blazing the trail for green practices — not exactly common in veterinary medicine. "To our knowledge, we're the first in the
region," Cangin says.
And what exactly does touting this eco-aware label entail? "We used recycled materials for our drywall, studs and anything steel-related. It was all manufactured locally, so it didn't
have to be transported. Our paints are low-VOCs [volatile organic compounds]. We chose to use digital X-rays because there
are no chemicals involved," Cangin says. "We are paperless to reduce paper use. Our fax machine comes through the computer.
We recycle our syringe cases. We have flow-control faucets to reduce water use and our lighting is fluorescent."
Cangin and Fisher enlisted the help of evolveEA, an architectural firm that creates designs to help reduce use of natural
resources. Although the East End facility was the firm's first veterinary practice, it came up with an affordable design that
is better for the environment and still provides effective animal care.
Green fast facts
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"To us, the animals' health is the main focus. We weren't going to jeopardize care just to be able to have the entire clinic
be green. We simply did whatever we could," says Cangin of the 330-patient clinic.
The design implemented smaller, inexpensive elements that, put together, make a large impact. "A lot of these things weren't
huge undertakings and, while there was some additional expense, we thought it was important enough to be worth taking on a
few extra costs," she says.
The next step for the practice is to apply for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, a national
benchmark for design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.
Conserving your cash and the environment
From changing a light bulb to changing locations, there are many ways to protect the environment
BY KRISTA SCHULTZ
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
PITTSBURGH — Preparing a veterinary practice to go "green" doesn't have to mean a complete clinic overhaul. Even the smallest changes
make a difference.
Recognizing areas where you can improve or implement more environmentally friendly options — with or without large price tags
— is key, says Christine Mondor, founder of evolveEA, a Pittsburgh-based architect firm that works to create synergy between
designs and the environment.
Minor alterations- Open window blinds to let in sunlight, and try to use less lighting.
- Replace burnt-out light bulbs with fluorescent lighting.
- Purchase cleaning products that are biodegradable.
- Use washable floor mats.
- Stock your printer with recycled paper.
- Paint with low-or no-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints.
- Change air filters regularly. "Most folks don't maintain their mechanical systems as well as they should, and it is not only
a health issue, but a matter of efficiency," Mondor says.
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