Making the world a greener place
By jeffrey t. lavery
When it comes to occupying new office space, most companies look for the essentials: ample parking, comfy chairs, and a decent eatery or two nearby.
For more area firms, however, going green has become the top priority for new construction. Genzyme operates a facility in Cambridge that meets the U.S. Green Building Council’s top tier rating for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Now, the research giant is building an expansive laboratory in Framingham aiming for the highest ranking possible.In Marlboro, Raytheon Co. also vied for LEED certification with its ETL/SAT Com Facility. And in Leominster, the Doyle Conservation Center is registered for gold-level LEED certification.
Although LEED certified buildings still remain sparse throughout Central Mass., developers and builders are taking note. Experts say the price premium to build such a facility is worth it, given the track record of green buildings for cutting energy costs and improving worker performance.
"The cost of building a green building is minor compared to the benefits," says Mike Teller, a principal in Boston-based architectural firm CBI Consulting.
New-age materials keep operating costs low
Raytheon’s satellite communications site obtained LEED certification in 2004, thanks to specialized building materials and recycled components. Much of the build process relied heavily on recycled goods, including the structural steel and sheetrock. Other steps taken included low-e windows, which keep heat inside during the winter months, and prevent air conditioning from seeping out during the summer months. The roof of the building features two levels of insulation and a white membrane, which combine to keep temperatures comfortable and reduce energy bills.
"During a heat wave, the temperature on a black roof hit 160 degrees, but on a white roof they stayed at 105," notes Steve Fugarazzo, manager of facilities engineering at Raytheon. "In turn, it requires less A/C usage to keep the building cool."
The structure, while costing more to build than traditional structures, saves money, notes Fugarazzo. "From a conservation standpoint alone, there are substantial savings."
In Framingham, Genzyme’s new science building represents a new challenge: building laboratory space to LEED-compliance. Currently, LEED standards apply largely to office buildings, says Genzyme’s Lisa Hartman, senior environmental engineer.
"Labs typically have much higher energy consumption rates than office space," notes Hartman. Features that win buildings points for LEED-certification, like operable windows, are not allowed in labs, she adds.
Despite this, the new facility will feature an emphasis on water efficiency, using drought-resistant plants around the building and waterless urinals on the interior. Energy consumption will be addressed by an extensive use of glass to enhance natural light, as well as high-efficiency fume hoods for researchers that still offer maximum protection.
In Leominster, the Doyle Conservation Center was built with an anonymous $5 million donation. The Trustees of Reservations at the Doyle Reservation contracted Chris Schaffner, principal of the Green Engineer, a sustainable design consulting firm in Acton. Several steps were taken to ensure it met LEED standards, including ground source heat pumps, composting toilets, and photovoltaic cells on the roof.
Says Schaffner: "Higher energy costs make a strong case for investing in building environments."
Jeffrey T. Lavery can be reached at jlavery@wbjournal.com
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