Local veterinary center goes green

SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WPRI) - Going green in Greenville. North Paws Veterinary Center's renovations have the comforts of home and respect for the environment.

Dr. Mark Paradise says it started off as an expansion. The 1850's house that they were operating out of got a little too small for the staff and its clients. "Once we started really sitting down and designing, we realized this is a perfect opportunity to build it green."

Building green starts simply with recycling the existing building instead of building new. One of the biggest features is a geothermal heating and air conditioning system. The pipes tap into eight 400 ft. wells in the parking lot.

"The water circulates through and comes back a constant 52 degrees. We have heat pumps installed that convert it into heat or air conditioning," says Paradise.

The siding is made from an ash byproduct from a manufacturing process. The decking is recycled pallets and plastic bags. Ceilings tiles are made from recycled ceiling tiles. The lighting is all energy efficient and all the paints and adhesives emit low amounts of volatile organic compounds or VOC.

Dr. Paradise said these green improvements are for the benefit of his and everyone's children and for the benefit of his clients. "To live with nature is going to benefit everyone in the long run."

North Paws Veterinary Center will have a grand re-opening with an open house on July 31, when you'll be able to tour the new green facility.