USGBC MA Chapter's Green Breakfast Club presents “Bring the Outside In”

By Matt Smith, Chapter Member & The Green Engineer

by Matt Smith, Chapter Member; The Green Engineer

“Bring the Outside In”

with:
Gunnar Hubbard (Thornton Thomasetti)
Dan Nall (Syska)

Congregating amidst a buffet of hot coffee, muffins, and bagels, local design and construction professionals met with Gunnar Hubbard of Thornton Thomasetti and Dan Nall of Syska as they presented “Bring the Outside In”: a presentation originally put together for Greenbuild 2013, graciously adapted and brought to 50 Milk St. for our Chapter’s morning meet-ups dubbed USGBC MA’s “Green Breakfast Club.”

 

The presentation provided a series of key figures outlining the economic impact as well as the indoor environmental benefits that can be achieved through the ventilation system designs within our buildings.  The means by which teams are including the ever-important outside air within their ventilation system designs have become more common and with these full, or partial, natural ventilation strategies (such as air-side economizers or night-flushing/pre-cooling), different climate zones are able to investigate and implement systems that are effective for their specific climate parameters.  Charts and graphs indicating these climates and their most effective methods showed impressive energy use savings, relative to the conventional or ‘baseline’ mechanical ventilation systems that would typically be designed within the buildings.

Mr. Nall continued with case studies that demonstrated key design problems and their subsequent solutions that allowed for these project teams to incorporate passive ventilation strategies and, in turn, demonstrate substantial energy use savings as well as improved indoor air quality.  Without giving away too much detail, all of the projects demonstrated issues that could be commonly found on projects in different climates and had successfully incorporated these passive ventilation strategies: contrary to conventional thought that may suggest otherwise.

 

Many thanks to Mr. Hubbard and Mr. Nall for taking the time to share this wonderful presentation with us and helping our Chapter move even closer towards More Green Buildings!

The 2014 LEED Project Showcase

By Grey Lee

It was a great LEED Project Showcase last night with the USGBC MA Chapter!  We convened over 150 people to review LEED projects and hear from a few specific sponsors who are champions of our mission for green buildings and sustainable communities for all.

Take a look at the awesome collection of photos that our media partner New England Real Estate Journal has produced – really wonderful to see so many great people together!

Thank you to all that came out to celebrate the LEED project achievements that Massachusetts professionals have worked on in recent months.  It was great to see the almost 50 boards highlighting the work of outstanding leaders in the green building industry.

Below, part of the Events Committee setting things up before our guests arrived.

We heard a few words from the team leader Kate Bubriski and then the Genzyme building facility manager Lou Capozzi and the Platinum Event Sponsors, National Grid and NSTAR (Mark Stafford and Kim Cullinane).  The crowd loved it – it was short and sweet!

 
 
Here we see Grey Lee with Tracey Beckstrom and Mark Stafford from National Grid
 
 

Here’s the team again: Steve Muzzy, Phoebe Beierle, Alana Spencer and Kate Bubriski (Tiffany King must have been helping someone out, and John Picard was doing some filming in the back hall).

At the end of the evening, many of the “regulars” of the Chapter were in a good mood after seeing so many great LEED Projects.  Here we see folks from Suffolk Construction, Boston Public Schools, Arrowstreet, emersionDESIGN, Linnean Solutions, the Boston Redevelopment Authority and Boston University.

 
Thank you to Genzyme for hosting us at their awesome LEED Platinum facility in Cambridge! 
 
You can read more about the many projects by taking a look at the electronic version of the Showcase Spotlight magazine, produced by NEREJ. 
 
Thank you everyone for participating and we’ll see you next year!

Member Spotlight: Shawn Hesse

By Grey Lee

Our latest member profile is of a transplant from Ohio who brings some expertise in Architecture and Sustainability.  He's also a part of our Membership Committee.  Meet Shawn Hesse!

USGBCMA: What is your current job and how does it differ from past jobs in Sustainability?

SH: I am an architect and sustainability consultant.  I lead the Boston office of emersionDESIGN.  At previous jobs I was one of the few individuals interested in sustainability.  However at emersionDESIGN, I am surrounded by people that share my passion and interest in making our work more sustainable.  There would constantly raise the bar for one another.

USGBCMA: When did you first become interested in Sustainability?

SH: My interest in sustainability is rooted in spending the entire summer outside while growing up, playing in the nearby woods, creeks and lakes in and around Cincinnati.  But my understanding that I have a role and responsibility to improve sustainability of our communities as an architect was developed at architecture school.

USGBCMA: Why are you a member of the MA chapter and how did you get there?

SH: I have been involved with the USGBC for almost 10 years now in Cincinnati, serving on the chapter board in several roles including board president.  I have also served on the USGBC Regional Committee representing Ohio as well as the Heartland Region and also at the national level.  I just recently moved to the Boston area and have begun to get involved here on the Membership Committee and also as a the facilitator for the Living Building Challenge Boston Collaborative.

USGBCMA: How are you an environmental steward?

SH: I have worked hard to turn my day job as an architect into my passion of making a sustainable future a reality.  I am also in the process of planning my wedding next June.  My fiancee and I are writing the “Living Wedding Challenge”- zero waste, carbon offset, public transit to the event, local food, etc.

USGBCMA: How do you help raise environmental awareness?

SH: I do a lot of public speaking about sustainability.

USGBCMA: If I needed to find you on a Saturday afternoon, where would it be?

SH: On any given Saturday, I could be out hiking, camping, at a beer tasting, escaping zombies or just at home restoring my 1960s radio.
 

Emerging Professionals Tour of Hostelling International – Boston

By Jenna Dancewicz, EPMA & Suffolk Construction

By Jenna Dancewicz, EPMA & Suffolk Construction
 

Last evening, green building enthusiasts from all around attended the USGBC EPMA tour of Hostelling International (HI) Boston.  HI-Boston is the third largest hostel in the USA and is located in the historic Dill Building, which was originally built between 1886-1888.  The building is LEED-Silver certified and it is the City of Boston’s first accommodation provider to achieve LEED certification! You can read about the building's green features here.  HI-Boston has also won several green and sustainability awards, including the 2013 USGBC MA Green Innovation Award.

 

 
HI-Boston emphasizes sustainability and community within its core values.  One of the many ways to learn about the green features in the building is by scanning one of the bar codes in a room and information pops up on your phone with its sustainable features.  Very innovative!  All the wood tables are reclaimed wood from the demolition of the interior of the building.  The metal chairs in the cafeteria are made from 100% recycled soda cans.  HI-Boston also prides itself on a green housekeeping program by using environmentally-friendly products and encourages travel-goers to reuse their linens and towels for at least 7 days.  From the pool tables in the game rooms to an open cafeteria to community rooms, HI-Boston makes it easy for travelers from around the world to connect.
 
 

 

Thank you to Martine McDonagh and Paul Kuhne with HI-Boston for having us as well as Dee Spiro (Bergmeyer) and Katrina Walther (Suffolk Construction) for helping with the tour!
 
 

 

This is only a small amount of information about HI-Boston.  To learn more, please visit their website here!

The EPMA continued our tradition of heavy networking at Sweetwater's pub just down the block from HI-Boston and continued to build relationships across industry sectors. #moregreenbuildings!
 

Hull Public Schools – Green Apple Day of Service connects High School and Elementary School

By Nicole Palermo Cristaldi

by Nicole Palermo Cristaldi

 
The Green Apple Day of Service project for Hull Public Schools took place at 180 Harborview Road on the beautiful peninsula of Hull, Massachusetts.  What a fantastic day for all involved!  The Mini-Grant awarded by USGBC MA Chapter and their generous sponsors allowed students from Hull High School to join forces with students from the Lillian Jacobs Elementary School to erect their long awaited gardens on September 24, 2014.  The efforts of the Hull Parent Teacher Organization, coupled with Holly Hill Farm, educated students on the food cycle, the basics of preparing raised bed gardens, as well as basic carpentry and gardening skills.  We would like to thank Truimph Modular for sponsoring this event!
 

 

 

Since April 2014, the Students of Lillian Jacobs Elementary School have been learning the cycle of food through their cafeteria composting program.  The composted apples, oranges, bananas & undressed veggies tuned into beautiful, nutrient-rich soil in the New Age Composter provided by The Massachusetts EPA’s Green TEAM!  The Green Apple Day Project will allow the students to witness the next stage of the food cycle – growing your food!
 
 
 
At each recess, the younger students watched as the high school students prepared the earth for the new gardens by measuring the plots of land (4×8) and removing grass and weeds from the area.  The untreated rough cut pine was then measured and cut to size.  After the beds were screwed together and reinforced by the students, the beds were filled with organic soil.  Soon after they were finished, all students outside were invited to join Jon Belber from Holly Hill Farm to plant the first organic radish seeds, taking only 24 days to mature.  The students we so excited to plant their seed into the soil and they were even more motivated to water their little accomplishment!
 
The Green Apple Day Project impacted over 500 students and inspired the High School students to start the process for implementing their own gardens at Hull High! 
 
 

Brooke Mattapan Charter School's Huge Green Apple Day of Service Collaboration

By Scott Knox

by Scott Knox
 

The first of the 300 volunteers arrived at 6:30 AM on September 23rd to start the arduous task of building a playground in one day.  Brooke Mattapan Charter School, in conjunction with the national playground building non-profit KaBOOM!, planned for months their design, logistics and preparations. In addition to the support from UnitedHealthcare and the New England Patriots, Brooke was able to purchase materials used in the build and will be used for continued playground maintenance with the GADOS Mini-Grant awarded by USGBC MA Chapter and Arrowstreet.  Check out Arrowstreet's blog for more pics and a video from the day!
 
The volunteers completed the construction of the playground and over a dozen side projects in just under 5 hours — it was an amazing feat!  Volunteers were separated into 15 groups with specific tasks.  In addition to building the playground, which included two slides, a rock climbing wall and monkey bars, the volunteers built benches, picnic tables, flower beds, and painted murals that will add to the community feel of the playground.  Toward the end of the day, special guests from the New England Patriots and Revolution arrived to lend a hand and meet the students at the ribbon cutting ceremony — even Pat Patriot rolled up his sleeves and helped out! 
 
 
 
Brooke scholars and the surrounding Mattapan community are so excited to have a safe, fun place to play for years to come.  This would not have been possible without the support of the volunteers and donations from organizations such as USGBC MA Chapter. 

 
In total our project was made possible through:
  • 48 staff members from Brooke Mattapan that contributed to the build in one shape or form: recruiting volunteers, lending tools, helping with student thank you notes, etc.
  • 300 volunteers (parents, Brooke supporters, corporate volunteers)

DisruptCRE is coming to Boston 10/16/14

By Grey Lee

USGBC MA Chapter is proud to support this great mini-conference on Thursday, October 16th from 1-7pm at District Hall in Boston's Seaport District.

Read more about DisruptCRE here!

We will be hosting an excellent panel at 3pm titled “The Science of Building Systems” with 
 

  • Suzanne Robinson of Vanderweil
  • Kurt Roth of Fraunhofer 
  • Barbra Batshalom of the Sustainable Performance Institute

The event is designed to connect disruptive ideas with capital and commercial real estate professionals.  Its these innovators and professionals who are disrupting the status quo by bringing the new ideas to market.  Firms with products and services to exhibit are encouraged to join the event's trade show.

The goal is to be a catalyst of change by merging the professionals of the built environment with the technological innovation community.  We expect hundreds of thought leaders from the Boston area to pack the new (LEED Certified) District Hall for an impressive gathering of minds.

The 4 disruptive panel topics to be addressed at the event include: 
 

  • Crowdfunding real estate projects 
  • The Cloud and how it has affected AEC
  • Space Utilization and what the new companies of tomorrow require
  • The USGBC MA-sponsored 'The Science of Buildings'

The 4 panels conclude with the unique segment “45 at 4:45”, where the disruptive exhibiting tech companies will have a rapid fire style 45 seconds to pitch their product.  The conclusion of the event is highlighted by a casual cocktail and hors d’oeuvre networking and demonstration session between tech companies, VC’s, and real estate industry leaders.

Don't miss out – register here.  USGBC MA invites all to use the discount code USGBCMA for a 25% savings.

Other brands represented include:
 

USGBC MA Chapter Celebrates LEED Platinum at 81 Brent Street, Dorchester, MA

By Neil Angus, LEED AP & USGBC MA Board of Directors

By Neil Angus, LEED AP, USGBC MA Board of Directors

On September 6th 2014, the owners of 81 Brent Street Cynthia Loesch and Ivan Liriano opened up their 3-unit LEED Platinum home to the public to showcase all of the sustainable features of their house.  From the modular construction that helped maintain quality control and minimize construction waste on the project to the insulated walls, windows, renewable and efficient energy systems, and sustainable landscaping, attendees saw first-hand how Cynthia and Ivan combined all these components to achieve the US Green Building Council’s highest level of certification – LEED Platinum.

 

 

Guided tours of the home and mini workshop presentations throughout the day kept attendees engaged and educated on the many green features of this home.  Presentations covered indoor air quality, weatherization, sustainable landscaping, as well as solar electric and solar hot water.  The day ended with an overview of the LEED green building rating system and a look at how 81 Brent Street achieved its Platinum rating.  Photos of the open house and the home are available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/81brent/

 

One of the great take-aways from this event was the fact that “green” does not have to cost more; this 3-unit home was built for a total cost of $450,000.  This is a comparable price (maybe even a little less!) to a traditional 3-unit home constructed in the same area.  Cynthia and Ivan were able to keep costs down by obtaining a number of federal and state tax incentives such as energy efficient property tax credits, clean energy tax credits, and rebates on items such as Energy Star, solar PV and hot water and high efficiency boilers.  A full database of these and many more federal and state incentives that are available to most homeowners can be found at http://dsireusa.org

Representatives from the City of Boston also attended the open house.  ‘Greenovate Boston’ is a program that focuses on engaging community members to reduce Boston’s greenhouse gas emissions.  Since the amount of energy we consume has a direct impact on our greenhouse gas emissions, the Greenovate Boston program put together a great case study outlining some of the basic steps Cynthia and Ivan took to build such an energy efficient home.  The case study also includes basic steps anyone can take to build new or renovate existing homes in a more energy efficient manner.  Take a look at: http://www.81brent.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/BrentFinal.pdf
 

Cynthia and Ivan are passionate about bringing sustainability to their neighborhood and their new home is a shining example of how to go about doing so.  For more details on their home and all the sustainability features, check out their website at: www.81brent.org.  The USGBC MA Chapter was proud to be a part of this open house and extends its sincerest thanks to Cynthia and Ivan for not only opening up their home to us and the public, but also for their passion and drive to promote green buildings in Dorchester and the greater Boston area. 
 

Congratulations Cynthia and Ivan and keep up the good work!

 

Nitsch Engineering Celebrates 25th Anniversary By Giving Back to Community

By Grey Lee

Congratulations to Nitsch Engineering and USGBC MA Chapter sponsor for celebrating 25 years in business by giving back to the Boston community!

 

 

 

Nitsch Engineering celebrated their 25th anniversary by honoring their commitment to “building better communities with you.”  Working closely with Boston Cares, a non-profit agency that produces team-oriented volunteer events, Nitsch Engineering planned a community service event and celebration on September 4th.  The event brought clients, friends, and employees together at Boston University’s Agganis Arena to assemble 60,000 meals to benefit Massachusetts food pantries.  The event ended with a party to celebrate the milestone anniversary and thank all the volunteers.

President and CEO of Nitsch Engineering Lisa A. Brothers, PE, LEED AP BD+C, said, “When we started discussing how to celebrate our anniversary, we felt that it was important to find a way to combine celebration with community service, since that’s such a big part of who we are as a company. By donating the money to cover the cost of ingredients for more than 60,000 meals, we were able to honor the spirit and commitment of our tagline, ‘building better communities with you.’” She went on to say, “It’s hard to believe that it’s been 25 years since we opened our doors. Time really does fly when you’re having fun! We’re thrilled that our future looks bright, as we continue to grow and expand our services. We know the next 25 years will be just as great!”

Since the company’s founding in 1989, Nitsch Engineering has grown from a one-person civil engineering company into an 85-person firm that also provides land surveying, transportation engineering, structural engineering, green infrastructure, planning, and geographic information systems (GIS) services. Founding Principal and Chairman Judith Nitsch, PE, LEED AP BD+C, commented, “Thanks to our terrific clients, fabulous employees, and wonderful projects in 18 states and five countries, we’ve been able to grow into a successful, respected company that just keeps getting better!”

  
 
About Boston Cares
Boston Cares (www.bostoncares.org) is the largest volunteer agency in New England, an Innovation Hub within the national Hands On Network and a leader in the volunteer engagement sector.  Their year-round volunteer programs and seasonal signature service events engage adults of all ages, children, teens, and corporate partners.  Boston Cares annually mobilizes 21,000 volunteers who serve 65,000 hours in support of 155 schools and nonprofits.  Every $1 invested in Boston Cares returns at least $4 of value to the community through volunteer labor, supplies, equipment, and other services.
 
About Nitsch Engineering
Nitsch Engineering (www.nitscheng.com) specializes in providing civil engineering, land surveying, transportation engineering, structural engineering, green infrastructure, planning, and GIS services.  Since 1989, the company has worked with developers, corporate and institutional owners, public agencies, and design professionals on major private development and public infrastructure projects in 18 states and five countries.  Nitsch Engineering is the largest Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) civil engineering firm in Massachusetts and is also certified as a WBE by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
 
 
 
 

$5600 in Green Apple Day of Service Mini-Grants Awarded

By Grey Lee

 

 

Green Schools Update 
$5600 in Green Apple Day of Service Mini-Grants Awarded
 
 
Thanks to the generous support from a number of sponsors, we have awarded a total of 14 mini-grants of $400 each to schools in support of Green Apple Day of Service projects.  National Grid and NSTAR funded a total of 12 projects focused on energy conservation (National Grid split their grants between MA and RI) – with Arrowstreet, Capitol Waste Services, Re-Stream, and Triumph Modular providing support for five more projects. 

 

Congratulations to our awardees!

 

NSTAR – NGRID Energy Focused Project Awardees
 

 

Alighieri Montessori School
East Boston
NSTAR
Manning Elementary School
Jamaica Plain
NSTAR
Boston Green Academy
Brighton
NSTAR
Boston Latin School
Boston
NSTAR
Clark University
Worcester
NGRID
Dallin School
Arlington
NSTAR
Manchester Essex Regional Middle High School
Manchester
NGRID
McKinley Middle School
Boston
NSTAR
Medford High School
Medford
NGRID
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General Project Awardees
 
 

Brooke Charter School
Mattapan
Curley K-8 School
Jamaica Plain
Lillian Jacobs Elementary School
Hull
Quincy High School
Quincy
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Boston
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We also thank Excel Dryer for their in-kind donation of four XL-SI Green Apple dryers to Brighton High School. 
 
It's not too late to get involved with Green Apple Day of Service. Projects can still be coordinated and registered at http://mygreenapple.org/.  If you're looking to volunteer with a project, see the current MA registered projects for service days in your community.

We especially encourage Chapter Volunteers to attend the projects that received funding support from our sponsors.

 
Thank you to our generous Green Apple Day of Service Mini Grant sponsors and their support of healthy, sustainable schools.
 

Granny Smith
 
 
 
 
 
 
Honey Crisp
 
 
 
 
 
Pippin