University of Iowa Health Care Iowa River Landing: A Commitment to Health and Sustainability

The University of Iowa Health Care's Iowa River Landing (IRL) facility exemplifies a comprehensive approach to healthcare, integrating advanced medical services with a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. This commitment is evident in every aspect of the facility, from its construction and design to its ongoing operations and community engagement.

Sustainable Design and Construction

The Iowa River Landing building was conceived and built with sustainability as a core principle. This is reflected in several key areas:

Natural Lighting and Energy Efficiency

The facility maximizes the use of natural light to illuminate hallways, offices, and reception areas. This significantly reduces the building's reliance on artificial lighting and lowers electrical demand. When natural light is insufficient, the building utilizes LED lighting, which consumes a fraction of the energy compared to traditional incandescent or fluorescent lights.

Water Conservation

The facility features a water treatment system that collects rainwater from the grounds and building. This water is processed before being released into the river, reducing erosion and filtering out contaminants, further minimizing the facility's environmental impact.

Healthy Construction Practices

The building's exterior is designed to create a tight envelope, protecting against drafts and moisture seepage. This tightness was verified through third-party testing to ensure effectiveness. During construction, contractors prioritized indoor air quality by implementing measures to prevent airborne dust and contaminants. Non-toxic materials were used throughout the building, including in adhesives, sealants, finishes, flooring, paint, and ceiling tiles.

Quality Building Materials

The architects chose reflective roofing and heat-reflecting materials to promote cooling, reducing the building's energy consumption for air conditioning. Waste minimization was a key consideration during construction. Over 20 percent of the building materials were made from recycled content, and over 20 percent were sourced from within 500 miles of Iowa City, reducing transportation costs and emissions. Furthermore, over 75 percent of construction waste was reused or recycled, diverting these materials from local landfills.

Location that Gives Back

The Iowa River Landing is located on a remediated brownfield site. Brownfields are former industrial sites that have been cleaned up and redeveloped, often with the support of local and federal governments. The facility's location is also convenient to biking and walking trails, encouraging eco-commuting. Bicycle parking and locker rooms are available for cyclists. The facility is also located near the Coralville Intermodal Project, which provides access to public transportation.

Eco-Friendly Parking

The facility offers free patient parking next to the facility, which is a service for the patients.

Comprehensive Medical Services

Beyond its commitment to sustainability, the University of Iowa Health Care Iowa River Landing provides a wide range of specialized medical services.

Cancer Care

The University of Iowa James A. Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, located at Iowa River Landing, is Iowa's only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, a designation it has held since 2000. This designation recognizes the center's excellence in cancer research, treatment, and prevention. The center offers a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, with collaboration among surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists, and other healthcare professionals. Patients benefit from access to clinical trials, screening and prevention events, palliative care, genetic counseling, rehabilitation, oncology nutrition, and survivorship services. The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of the nation’s longest accredited cancer centers from the Commission on Cancer (CoC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). To achieve CoC accreditation, cancer centers are regularly reviewed to ensure they meet standards that evaluate the services offered by the program.

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Heart and Vascular Care

UI Health Care's expertise in cardiac care has earned it the Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Distinction® Center+ designation. The National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) has recognized University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Downtown as one of the nation’s top performing hospitals for treatment of heart attack patients. This award reflects the institution's commitment to providing a higher level of care for heart attack patients. Heart rhythm care is entering a new era.

Lung Care

The specialized lung care team at UI Health Care prioritizes patients' quality of life by helping them breathe easier. UI Health Care is a designated Wellmark Blue Distinction Center in adult lung transplant, indicating higher quality specialized care and better overall results.

Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

UI Health Care's expertise in knee and hip replacement and spine surgery has earned it the Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Distinction® Center+ designation. Injuries and diseases in the bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues can be painful and debilitating.

Primary and Specialty Care

The facility offers a wide array of primary and specialty care services, including:

Primary Care: Helping patients find the right primary care provider for themselves and their families.
Urology: Providing relief for painful or uncomfortable symptoms and offering family planning services.
Pediatrics: Specializing in the care of infants, children, and adolescents.
Pulmonology: Evaluating and managing breathing disorders in children and adolescents.
Endocrinology: Providing expert care for diabetes and other conditions that affect the body’s glands, hormones, and metabolism.
Dermatology: Providing safe and effective skin care.

Cystic Fibrosis Care

UI Health Care's cystic fibrosis program is an accredited Cystic Fibrosis Foundation care center. This accreditation recognizes UI Health Care’s commitment to providing patients with the highest level of care for cystic fibrosis. UI Health Care also has the only program in Iowa with an accredited adult CF center under the same health care system.

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Awards and Recognition

UI Health Care has received several awards and recognitions for its commitment to quality and patient care, including recognition from U.S. News & World Report.

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