Memorial Sloan Kettering Nassau has received LEED Gold certification from the US Green Building Council (USGBC). According to the USGBC, “LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world” and “provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership.”

As a proud participant in New York City’s Carbon Challenge, MSK Nassau has a strong commitment to sustainability to reduce the environmental impact of our facilities and operations at our locations in New York and New Jersey. We thoughtfully design our facilities to reduce energy use, material consumption, and waste to create a healthy environment for patients, staff, and our community.

Building on the legacy and success of our other sites, the design of MSK Nassau includes several features that conserve natural resources, minimize greenhouse gas emissions, and promote wellness. Check out these sustainable features: 

• High-performance heating and air conditioning systems, equipment, lighting fixtures, and high-reflective roof materials reduce the building’s energy consumption by about 25% compared to a typical building.
• Equipment and low-flow plumbing fixtures reduce the building’s water consumption by 30% compared to a typical building, which reduces the burden on the municipal water supply and wastewater systems.
• To promote healthier indoor air quality and reduce environmental impacts, new building materials are more sustainably and locally sourced, with high recycled content and low or zero Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Some of these materials include:
  • rubber floor and wall base — rapidly renewable, natural rubber, low VOCs, and recyclable
  • carpet tile — 42% recycled content in the backing and low VOCs
  • wallcoverings and paint — zero and low VOCs
  • wood — sustainably harvested, without VOCs or added urea-formaldehyde
• MSK selected furnishings and furniture to minimize lifelong environmental impacts and promote occupant health. Materials selected strive to:
  • reduce manufacturing- and transportation-related carbon emissions
  • avoid chemicals that may have adverse health impacts for occupants
  • use materials made from recycled content
  • be easily disassembled to facilitate end-of-life recycling
  • apply ergonomic design to all seating and workstations
• A green cleaning policy sets standards for sustainable cleaning supplies and equipment to promote healthy and environmentally friendly cleaning practices.
• To inspire wellness, centrally located and naturally daylit stairs encourage walking in lieu of using elevators when possible.
• Acoustic insulation provides occupants with a quieter healing environment free of intrusive or disruptive noise.
• Bicycle storage and showers are provided to staff to support biking as an alternate option for commuting to work.
• Public transportation (train or bus) is conveniently located nearby, and its use is highly encouraged.
• Charging stations for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles are provided at the MSK Nassau parking garage to encourage the use of hybrid and electric vehicles.

Surrounding the building are various exterior features, including walking paths and abundant vegetation, providing an opportunity for patients, visitors, and employees to spend quality time outside and connect to nature. This biophilic feature can help reduce stress and enhance the healing process.