, SAINT MARY'S

HEALTH
A MEMBER Of THE NEW

CARE

(r, MERCY HEALTH

Contact:

Katie Halloran Manager, Public Relations and Communications Ph: 616.685.1896 Cell: 616.260.5101 Email: hallorkg@trinity-health.org SOPHIA'S HOUSE EARNS GOLD LEED CERTIFICATION Saint Mary's Renovated Guest House Recognized as 'Green' Building

(February 4, 2012- Grand Rapids, Mich.) Sophia's House, a home away-from-home that allows guests to be near their loved ones receiving care at Saint Mary's, received official Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification in December 2012. Named in honor oElead donor Peter M. Wege's mother, Sophia Louise Wege, Sophia's House minimizes its impact on the environment through the reuse of an existing facility saving significant materials, resources, and energy costs. "The Gold LEED certification for Sophia's House marks one of the highest achievements for construction using green principles," said Phil McCorkle, Saint Mary's President and CEO. "Grand Rapids is nationally known for its plentiful LEED certified buildings, thanks largely to the mission and generosity of the Wege Family and The Wege Foundation, which donated $1 million for the guest house. Saint Mary's Health Care is dedicated to building using only green initiatives, and Sophia's House stands as the most recent proof point for this commitment." According to Erhardt Construction, including: Sophia's House optimized a number of green building initiatives, by 42%

Exceeding local open space zoning requirements Achieving an energy cost savings of 15.4%

Reducing potable water used for landscape irrigation by 60% and for plumbing by 49% Mindful use of materials: - 97.5% building reuse - 91.5% construction and demolition waste diversion - 28.5% recycled content materials - 31.9% regionally manufactured/harvested materials - 91 % certified wood Providing daylight for 76 % of the occupied spaces Utilizing heat absorption reduction strategies for 100% of the site

Located on the corner of Lafayette Avenue SE and Cherry St. SE, the guest house opened June 2012 and features 15 private guest rooms and countless amenities for guests including an exercise room, lounge areas, Wi-Fi, laundry rooms and a well-equipped kitchen. More information about Sophia's House or LEED certification is available by visiting www.mercyhealthsaintmarys.com/sophiashouse or http://new.usgbc.org/leed. (END)