Rippel Goes Green

According to a 2007 study by the World Health Organization (WHO), no one is immune from the health impacts of pollution, work hazards, UV radiation, noise, agricultural risks, and climate change. The WHO estimated that 13 million deaths worldwide could be prevented annually through environmental improvements. Even in developed countries, healthier environments could significantly reduce the incidents of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, lower respiratory infections, musculoskeletal diseases, traffic injuries, poisoning, and drowning. Plus, there is growing evidence that greener medical facilities tend to improve patient outcomes and reduce health risks. Examples include decreased lengths of stay for patients in sunlit rooms and better patient safety from reduced contact with toxic building materials and cleaning supplies.

In 2007, the Fannie E. Rippel Foundation made an important and progressive decision to invest in “green” technology by relocating its headquarters in New Jersey to what we hope will be Morristown’s first LEED-Certified green building. Located at 14 Maple Avenue, this newly constructed public parking and office building was built by the Morristown Parking Authority (MPA). The Rippel Foundation is joined by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, The Seeing Eye, The Morristown Partnership, and The Arts Council of the Morris Area as the building’s first tenants.

Studies demonstrate that green buildings not only reduce energy use, CO₂ emissions, and water use, they also have better indoor air quality and lighting. The natural light and clean air inherent in a LEED-Certified green building has been linked to better health outcomes, enhanced work environments, and improved well-being. In fact, LEED-Certified project case studies have documented a 2% to 16% increase in worker/student productivity in green buildings.

While serving as a showcase for green commercial construction, the Foundation’s headquarters is demonstrating the immensely positive impact that "going green" can have on the environment, the economy, health, and productivity. The Foundation’s decision to invest in this project is also symbolic of our core belief that local models can lead to changes at the national and international levels. Our support of green construction and the building’s ongoing recycling program may lead to similar projects elsewhere, thereby helping improve our nations’ health.

The Foundation’s Trustees and staff are committed to learning more about the impact the environment has on health outcomes, welcoming visitors, educating them about the green elements of our new headquarters, and supporting building-wide efforts that reinforce the positive connection between healthy environments and public health.