The doctors at Huron Ophthalmology in Ypsilanti are so committed to environmentally-friendly practices that one of them rides his bike to work everyday - rain, sleet, snow or shine.

So it makes sense that the medical practice is moving into one of the greenest buildings on the St. Joseph Mercy Health System campus. The new 21,200-square-foot building features a bevy of environmentally friendly features, such as a geothermal heating and cooling system, thermal glass, skylights, flooring made of recycling materials, motion-sensor lights and, yes, even a bike garage.

More of the practice's physicians are expected to start cycling to the 5477 Clark office later this year when the weather begins to warm up. Huron Ophthalmology currently has four doctors, two optometrists, one physician's assistant and 36 support staff. Another doctor (and potential bicyclist) is expected to join the practice in August.

Huron Ophthalmology will be able to treat up to 250 patients each day once it starts going full speed later this year. It will be able to do this while capturing significant savings in utilities overhead.

"The geothermal system is not only the right thing to do for the environment but it will save us money down the road," says Dr. Gregory Katz, a partner of Huron Ophthalmology.

Source: Dr. Gregory Katz, partner of Huron Ophthalmology and Sharon Watson, office administrator for Huron Ophthalmology
Writer: Jon Zemke