Johnson City, Tenn. -- Johnson City's new green hospital, Franklin Woods, will have environmentally focused aspects throughout its building, but also, outside the building. It will affect anyone who drives to the hospital. People who drive energy efficient cars, or carpool to work, will find a perk for them, in the parking lot.
The standard handicapped parking spaces line the lot closest to the sidewalk, but new signs, for low emission vehicles parking, and carpool parking, designate the next two groups of spaces. There's golf cart outlets and bike racks for alternative transportation.
The spaces give the hospital points to achieve its green "LEED certified" status. It's a way to protect the environment, and inspire Mountain States Health Alliance team members, and the community, to think green, when it comes to driving.
"They (hybrid cars and carpooling) do produce lower emissions," says Franklin Woods CEO, "and we certainly, as part of our green concept, want to have as a clean of an indoor air quality as we can. That certainly will help us."
The hospital opens July 12, and while hospital security may check up on employees who park where they aren't supposed to, in general, community vehicles that don't abide by the parking signs won't be ticketed.
The spaces serve as a courtesy to those who are environmentally conscious, and to encourage others.
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