CASE STUDY: Genzyme Center is LEED Platinum
Here is our first installment in an ongoing series of case studies that GreenFab will be conducting to highlight truley sustainable projects. Each of these case studies will be organized around a set of nine Sustainable Design Systems that we have created to measure sustainability.
INTRODUCTION - Genzyme, one of the world’s foremost biotechnology companies, has just completed their world headquarters, Genzyme Center , in Cambridge, MA. This building was designed and constructed to be one of the most environmentally responsible office buildings ever built in the United States. To help guide these goals, Genzyme pursued the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System and achieved a PLATINUM rating under LEED 2.0.
Genzyme had sustainable goals across five broad areas: sustainable site planning, safeguarding water and water efficiency, energy efficiency and renewable energy, conservation of materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. As for being employee-friendly, the space combines a collaborative work environment with a green-centric focus providing approximately 900 employees with an ideal work experience.
Continue reading to see Genzyme Center’s sustainable features organized within GreenFab’s Sustainable Design Systems .
SITE - With a number of sites available to them, Genzyme chose to construct their facility atop a previously contaminated lot, causing no damage to existing forest or wildlife habitats. Building the facility produced less impact on the environment as well, with more than 90% of all construction waste being recycled. Additionally, there is less potential for carbon output by employees commuting to work, as public transportation services are located nearby.
The image below is of a green roof twelve stories up that creates habitat and offsets roof runoff and heat island effect. Photo credit: Martin LaMonica/CNET News.com
ENERGY - Reducing energy consumption was a key element to the strategy of the facility’s design, resulting in electricity costs that are 42% less than a comparable building. Natural light enhancement systems, solar arrays and a living roof have also been installed to reduced energy consumption.
MATERIALS - While energy saving initiatives were important to the development of the facility, using green materials throughout the building ensured that the structure itself made a lesser impact on the environment. In fact, more than 75% of all materials included recycled content, and nearly all wood is Forest Stewardship Council certified. All materials meet or beat national standards for VOC emissions.
WATER - The plumbing features of the building create significantly less water usage (approximately 35%) than a comparable building. (video) Water is also collected on site and waste steam from a next-door power plant is piped in and used to power the entire building.
INDOOR QUALITY - The indoor quality of the new building was an important focus for the project. Keeping energy consumption top of mind, Genzyme integrated features that would reduce reliance on artificial light, as well as allow employees to enjoy fresh, outside air. Indoor features include: Over 800 operable windows, soaring twelve-story central atrium with skylight, natural light enhancement systems, extensive indoor gardens, organic pest control via Ladybugs (video).
BEAUTY AND INSPIRATION - With this new facility, Genzyme has achieved an unparalleled quality of work-life that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but promotes collaboration and decreases absenteeism. Features include: extensive indoor gardens, 144-seat state of the art auditorium, 12th floor cafeteria with sweeping views and direct views of the outdoors from most desks.
The images below are of a chandelier made up of 768 prismatic tiles that reflect the sunlight beaming off the stationary mirros above. In addition to the hanging tiles, the building has several other reflectors inside the atrium, including what the company calls its “sunflowers” - light fixtures made up of reflecting discs. Photo credit: Martin LaMonica/CNET News.com
