Mercy Medical Center – West Lakes in West Des Moines has been named the first Iowa hospital built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified specifications and recognized as a LEED-certified facility by the U.S. Green Building Council. The 239,000-square-foot hospital, which opened in September, incorporates evidence-based design and energy-saving technologies to deliver efficient health care from an environmental and work process perspective. The national program sets extensive standards for design, construction and operations of buildings. The hospital’s design is expected to save $25,000 annually in heating and cooling costs compared with more conventional building methods, and use 605,000 fewer gallons of water per year, among other savings.

Aviva plc today announced it has re-entered Singapore’s general insurance market and stated its intent on rolling out the business in key markets in Asia. Starting with direct online car insurance, the company will gradually increase its portfolio of products to include home and travel insurance. By launching a direct insurance business, the London-based company has built upon its existing brand presence in Singapore and has developed an attractive and differentiated proposition that challenges the traditional agency models of the market’s major insurers, it said.

Drake University recently honored Stephen Lacy, chairman, president and CEO of Meredith Corp., with the Community Leadership Award for his impact on the university and Des Moines business community. Charles Edwards, dean of Drake’s College of Business and Public Administration, presented the award to Lacy at the college’s annual awards ceremony on April 7 in Sheslow Auditorium. “Stephen Lacy and Meredith Corp. have had a tremendous positive impact on the Des Moines area and Drake University,” Edwards said in a press release. “We’re especially grateful for Stephen’s efforts to raise funds on behalf of the university. We’re also fortunate that his wife, Cathryn, recently joined the Drake Board of Trustees.”

As Earth Day approaches, three individuals and four local organizations are being recognized for their efforts to improve the environment. Robin Fortney, Mary Burton, Megan Reuther, Drake University, Iowa Health System, Wells Fargo & Co. and Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. are the 2010 Environmental Stewardship Award winners. The winners will be recognized at Metro Waste Authority’s Annual Dinner on April 21 at the Prairie Meadows Event Center in Altoona. Registration for the awards dinner is available online at www.mwatoday.com until April 13.

The Nationwide Insurance Foundation has awarded a grant of $40,000 to Beacon of Life, a nonprofit transitional shelter for homeless women in Des Moines. The grant will help the organization fund its residential treatment program. Each year Beacon of Life serves the needs of about 150 women in a highly structured environment. “These funds will help ensure our continued commitment to helping all of our women gain the confidence and independence they require to become free from their addictions and ready to contribute positively to their families and the community,” said Ruth Hardin, executive director of Beacon for Life.