City of Hope will soon house its first-ever “green-certified” building designed to be friendly to the environment.

The Michael Amini Transfusion Medicine Center, which will bring all the blood-supply needs of the institution under one roof, recently received the certification from the United States Building Council.

The Amini Center’s design meets the rigorous standards of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system. This means the building saves energy and integrates eco-friendly ideas through a variety of innovations:

A “cool roof,” which reflects the sun’s rays and keeps the building cooler
Energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment
Self-dimming lighting that responds to the amount of daylight cast into a room
Construction materials, such as insulation and ceiling tiles, made from recycled products
Water-efficient landscaping through the use of California-friendly plants — vegetation that flourishes in a dry climate
Low-odor- and low-contaminant-emitting materials such as adhesives and paints
The certification signals a new building trend for the institution, said Dave Wade, director of project administration for City of Hope.

“Being more efficient with our resources means being wise about our energy usage and environmental sustainability — this new design fits in with our broader plans for City of Hope,” Wade said. “Reducing our carbon footprint, wisely using water and making better construction material choices ensure that we fulfill our environmental responsibilities while supporting City of Hope’s longterm needs.”

The Amini Center is slated to open in two years. Officials will hold a groundbreaking ceremony Dec. 15. The modern facility will be located on the east side of the Duarte, Calif., campus, near the entrance to the Main Medical Building and south of the main visitor parking lot.