Your health and the physical environment

march wellness & fitness center is committed to creating a healthy environment and reducing its impact on the earth.  The facility, located in OHSU's Center for Health & Healing was designed and built to use fewer resources, save energy and promote cleaner air and health for its visitors.

The building holds a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification­­––from the U.S. Green Building Council.  It is the first health care facility in the nation to receive this honor.

Unique sustainable features:

•  A high percentage of floor finishes and millwork use wood from Forest Stewardship Council certified forests.

• Innovative materials include cabinets, casework and doors made of wheatboard, which is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
   
• One hundred percent of the wastewater at the building is treated on-site and, along with collected rainwater, is used for toilets and landscaping. This practice alone will prevent 15,000 gallons of water a day from reaching Portland's overburdened sewer system.
   
• Paint and finish materials, including carpeting, contain low amounts of  VOCs, which reduce  "off-gassing" of toxic or irritating fumes.
   
• The building is the first large facility in the United States to replace air conditioning with vastly more efficient chilled beams. Cold water passes through the chilled beams and natural convection currents carry cool air down to occupants.