As natural disasters around the world increase in severity and frequency due to climate change, much of Turkey must also face devastating earthquakes due to its location between two continental plates. As part of Turkey’s Seismic Risk Reduction and Emergency Preparedness Project, the government of Turkey’s Istanbul Project Coordination Unit, known as IPKB, is building sustainable, resilient public infrastructure. IPKB rebuilt and LEED-certified two major campuses in 2020: the LEED Gold Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital, and the LEED Platinum Kadiköy Atatürk Science High School.

The two-million-square-foot Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar City Hospital, for example, is one of Turkey’s largest and most important healthcare facilities. Great care was taken throughout the planning, design, and construction phases to minimize environmental damage through erosion and sedimentation plans from the previously developed site.

With the installation of efficient water fixtures and energy systems, stratified facades, and high-performance glass, the hospital achieved energy savings. Patients and staff also benefit from maximum daylighting and a focus on indoor air quality.

To complement its LEED certification, the hospital also achieved EDGE certification, becoming the world’s largest EDGE-certified hospital.

IPKB’s leadership in this life-changing work also earned them a 2021 USGBC regional leadership award.