The total number of LEED certified projects in Canada has jumped to 2,252 as the Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC) reports a healthy start to 2015.

Between January 1 and April 30, CaGBC recorded 135 registrations and 202 certifications, with LEED Gold, the most rigorous level, topping the list at 90.

Following that category, LEED Silver was second at 67, while 9 buildings received LEED Platinum certification. 30 projects earned general LEED status.

CaGBC made a point to single out two established hospitals—Bridgepoint Hospital and Niagara Health System’s St. Catharines Site—that both earned LEED Silver.

Chris Gower, executive vice-president at PCL Constructors Canada Inc., which designed and managed construction for both projects, said hospitals must offer services in a physically and psychologically healthy environment.

“By their very nature, hospitals are not efficient buildings since they have more air exchanges and require significantly more water than most other buildings,” he said. “When designing these facilities, it was therefore essential to balance energy efficiency with patient comfort.”

Gower said this design included maximizing the quality of the indoor environment and providing access to daylight, which helps patients recover and rehabilitate more effectively. Natural light also increases well-being among building occupants and caregivers.