Cancer Center Becomes Michigan's First Green Certified Facility

Sustainable furniture wasn't the only thing that dictated Lemon-Holton's design—the organization also took direction from patient and family advisory counsels.

"Each member had a loved one or currently or previously went through cancer treatment so they knew what kind of environment they wanted to be in," says Manders. "They were the experts that wanted to help us design this facility and I think they were really excited that we were going for the LEED Certification as well."

The counsel chose the artwork for the entire pavilion and the themes for the garden on each floor.

"We wanted to create a healthy environment for patents and families, but we wanted to create a healthy facility for the environment as well," Manders says. "Not only did we do everything we need to do to be LEED Certified, but we made it a lush, serene healing environment."