Sustainability Performance Management – LEED Certification through the Arc Platform

By Donny Goris-Kolb, Environmental Planner, VHB

For many it has become almost cliché – the adage, “You can’t manage what you don’t measure.” However, it’s extremely relevant for effective and sustainable management of buildings, campuses, and entire communities. At VHB, we’ve been exploring the best ways to support our clients’ efforts to manage their buildings and operations, and to communicate performance, not only to the public, but also to operators and decision-makers. After all, sustainable management really comes down to effective decision-making, which is only possible when armed with the best available data. The Arc platform, introduced in 2016 and maintained by Arc Skoru Inc. (an organization created by the Green Business Certification, Inc. [GBCI]), is a novel approach to the implementation of LEED for existing buildings with plans to expand to other green building rating systems, protocols, and guidelines such as

GRESB, WELL, PEER, SITES, and Parksmart. It represents a concerted effort by United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and GBCI to broaden the reach of LEED and related principles and practices, as the platform’s target audience includes not only projects looking to achieve LEED certification or recertification, but also non-certified projects whose owners/operators would like to make and measure incremental sustainability improvements, as well as cities and communities looking to provide enhanced quality of life. The digital platform streamlines LEED Operations + Maintenance (O+M) recertification for existing LEED-certified projects by focusing on performance data across five key subcategories: Energy, Water, Waste, Transportation, and Human Experience. For non-LEED certified projects wishing to pursue initial certification under LEED v4 O+M, the platform simplifies the process through the “Performance Score to LEED certification pilot credit.” This alternative pathway reduces the requirements for certification by requesting the same performance data as required for recertification, along with satisfying a limited number of prerequisites and optional credits.

Arc represents a recognition by USGBC and GBCI that data management and analysis are integral components of a project’s sustainability, and that transparency is an essential part of such efforts. The platform provides projects with the ability to measure its sustainability improvements through continuous data uploads, real-time analysis, and web-based reporting. Leveraging its growing database of performance data, Arc provides projects with the ability to compare their performance to that of its peers locally and globally, and to share that data with its stakeholders through the Arc interface. Cities and communities can now also take advantage of Arc with the LEED for Cities and LEED for Communities pilot certification programs built directly into the platform. For the first time, cities, communities, neighborhoods, districts, townships, and counties can be LEED-certified. Within Arc, these entities can set goals, implement system-recommended strategies to meet those goals, and track their progress through key metrics and shared performance data, including greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy consumption.

VHB has worked with cities, airports, transportation agencies, and building owners on sustainability management for years. And we understand there is no single platform or solution that will meet everyone’s needs in the same way. What we consistently find to be most important in sustainability management is the ability to maintain a clear view of the program’s primary goals, which are to manage resources effectively, improve efficiencies, make people’s jobs easier, and manage data effectively to inform smart decision-making. We aim to connect our clients to the best available tools and resources to achieve these goals, and also have developed some custom tools to support such efforts where appropriate. At the end of the day, what is most exciting about Arc and similar programs is to see how big data and web-based management capabilities are expanding to help our clients to provide better services to their customers or citizens and improve their sustainability performance.

Find VHB on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.​

 

Greenbuild Mixer with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

By USGBC MA Communications


On October 26th, we gathered together at the headquarters of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts for our final Greenbuild Mixer. Over 80 members of Boston's green building community joined together at the beautiful venue for drinks and networking before Greenbuild. Our very own Celis Brisbin gave an opening speech welcoming everyone and thanking Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts for sponsoring the event. During his speech, Celis addressed various topics such as Greenbuild and our Local Chapter Welcome Party, which will be held on November 7th.

Krystle Thomsen of BCBSMA gave a fascinating talk about the various design aspects of 101 Huntington Avenue, the headquarters of BCBSMA near the Prudential Center. One topic she touched on about the building was the amount of natural sunlight employees have access to, as well as the re-design of their cafeteria, which included more open seating, LED lighting, TV screens, and pictures of greenery and natural landscapes.


The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts headquarters is the largest project in New England, and 12th largest in the nation, to be LEED® Platinum certified. The area includes several features to promote employee well-being such as a wellness center with yoga and meditation classes, flame retardant furniture, adjustable height desks for every associate, sustainable food options, compostable cafeteria wares, and open internal stairways. Attendees toured the 10th, 11th, and 12th floors, and learned about the ergonomic design feature in the office to make working there enjoyable, including electronic raisable desks and benches in cubicles to share ideas near.

Thank you again to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts for opening your doors to the green building community!

Thoughtforms – Quality Houses for the Masses

By Mark Doughty, Thoughtforms Corp

Thoughtforms was formed in 1972 looking to create ‘quality homes for the masses.’ With events such as the Cuyahoga river fire capturing public attention, the definition of quality included sustainable and a community focus. In the 45 years since, the team has built their reputation crafting the highest quality homes and estates in the Boston area and has taken every opportunity to influence designs to incorporate elements of healthy homes and energy efficiency into projects. As sustainability has returned to the fore in recent years, Thoughtforms has had the opportunity to prominently embrace the builder’s role in the sustainability challenge. Recently, a number of projects have captured the attention of many. Examples include:

The Lincoln Farmhouse achieved 50% net positive results, LEED Platinum certification, Living Future Institute REVEAL certification, Fine Homebuilding Best Energy Smart Home 2017 and two Gold Prism awards from the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston.

The West Acton Village Ecology project created a new solar-powered community space that strengthens people’s connection to their town and tangible (rather than virtual) social networks.

An energy retrofit, including envelope updates and solar power generation, of a post-and-beam farmhouse overlooking a pond west of Boston that revitalized the property and enabled the resumption of on-site food production.

Renovation of a hilltop home and establishment of extensive food production and storage capabilities, including permaculture landscape. This project notably included an extensive hillside solar array generating more than 135KwH

In addition to projects, Thoughtforms has engaged in other ways to enhance and educate the community. Key relationships and activities in this area include:

  • An alliance with the Forest Society of Maine that lead to the protection of an 81-acre inholding on the shore of Moosehead Lake
  • A seat on Massachusetts Audubon’s Design Review Advisory Committee which is currently working on a net-zero environmental Learning Center
  • Liaison work with the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative which develops the next generation of industry leaders

While some architects and builders have opted to only accept net-zero projects, Thoughtforms intentionally engages all architects and clients in an effort to influence, educate, and learn from the broader community.

See more at thoughtforms-corp.com.

 

Welcome Finegold Alexander Architects as our New Sponsor!

By Emily Kingston

We are honored to announce Finegold Alexander Architecture as our newest Advocate Level sponsor.


The success of Finegold Alexander Architects' projects results from their proven ability to balance the goal of design excellence within the realistic parameters of budget and schedule. Throughout the planning stages of a project, a variety of architectural concepts are fully explored in relation to aesthetics, function, site and environmental issues, engineering requirements, energy conservation, accessibility, cost, and schedule. 

When focusing on sustainability, Finegold Alexander Architects embraces the opportunity to develop sustainable energy sources and with the common sense of new planning and design creates spaces in a holistic approach to energy conservation. Interior finishes, materials and natural/artificial lighting are among initiatives that they can suggest and include to reduce energy use.

Welcome to our sponsoring partner community, Finegold Alexander Architecture. We are proud to have you as a partner and look forward to accomplishing great things together.

EPMA October Meeting with Breiter Planet Properties: Implementing Utility-Scale Solar Projects

By Anna McGinty, EPMA Committee


Fall has fallen upon the EPMA Committee! Last Monday night we kicked off the meeting with some delicious cider donuts and new members. The group discussed the past month’s events, including the Panel on Careers in Sustainability and BMC Rooftop Garden Tour, as well as upcoming activities and local events. On the horizon is the anticipated Greenbuild International Conference & Expo taking place in Boston from November 8th – 10th! With Greenbuild almost here, the EPMA committee is hosting a “How to Network at Greenbuild” event this Thursday, October 26th if you need to fine tune your networking skills!


Last week we were joined by Andrew Breiter-Wu, President and Sales Director of Breiter Planet Properties, for a presentation on his energy consulting firm, Breiter Planet Properties. Breiter Planet Properties helps clients implement commercial solar developments by working as a liaison with property owners, local government officials, and engineering firms. With operations all over the United States, the vision of Breiter Planet Properties is to accelerate renewable energy generation adoption by providing flexible options in roof and leasing, along with other services, to real estate owners. Consultants assists with the sales and procurement for solar development projects with projects typically ranging in size from 500 kW to 5+ MW.     


Although Breiter Planet Properties has run into challenges with uncertainty in the market due to the shifting political landscape and utility regulations, the emerging company is expanding throughout the United States and looking to tap into the Japanese market within the next two years. The work of consulting firms, such as Breiter Planet Properties, is paving the way for communities to lower their carbon emissions and transform into a low carbon economy to fight climate change to the benefit of all. Way to go Andrew!

Join us for next month’s presentation by Oliver Bautista of Turkel Design, who will explain the process of how a new single family dwelling is built using prefabricated wall panels; from it's initial schematic design phase all through construction of the panelized shell assembly.

 

 

 

 

 

Fuse Apartment Tour

By USGBC MA Communications

On Thursday USGBC – Residential Green Building Committee organized a tour for the FUSE Cambridge Apartments – a 244-unit apartment community located at 165 CambridgePark Drive, Cambridge, MA.  The 250,000-square-foot complex, developed by Hines and managed by the Bozzuto Group, is LEED certified (Silver) and is the first in Massachusetts to introduce Well Signature apartment homes.  Well Signature apartments incorporate features such as advanced water and air filtration systems and innovative technologies for lighting.  


The group was initially greeted by Sean from Hines and Nate from Bozzuto Group in the club room with wine and cheese. Soon the tour began in the lobby.  The lobby was designed to be a window to connect pedestrians and residences to the adjacent 100+ acre Alewife Brook Reservation.  The lobby spans two stories with glass facade so people walking by on CambridgePark Drive have a direct view of the reservation.


After we walked outside towards the Alewife Brook Reservation the hosts explained that the parcel of land the apartment sits on was previously a factory therefore a lot of remediation work had to be done to the soil before the foundations for the apartments could be poured.  The other interesting thing is that the orientation of the building and design of glass façade was optimized for viewing angles of two willow trees that stood side by side overlooking the reservation, which we were told, was not standard practice in the industry.  Over 60 percent of the 244 apartment units have a window over-looking the reservation.   The apartment complex has a 1:1 bike rack to parking space ratio.  

The group then walked around the building and re-entered through the front lobby from Cambridge-drive Park.  The group was brought to the second floor to view the common room and the green wall.  The common 

room is where residents can go to do work.  It is equipped with wifi, computers, printers, and lots of places to sit.  It even has a conference room for meetings.  The hosts explained that many of the residences take advantage of the common room using it as an office to get work done.  After touring the common room, the group arrived at one of the show pieces of the property – the living green wall.  The green wall consists of 250 individual potted plants on a wall with lighting above that is optimized for their photosynthesis needs.  It gets watered about once a month and so far, the hosts say it’s been a big success.  The wall breathes life to the interior of the apartment and lifts one’s mood up each day after work.   

At the green wall the group had a lively discussion about lighting requirements in commercial buildings.  Afterwards, the group was shown a sample apartment unit which incorporated the Wells Signature equipment.  It is offered at the apartment as an add-on package which includes: advanced air purification, circadian mood lighting, circadian shower, blackout shades, aromatherapy, water purification, Cleveland clinic wellness, and well hub.

 

 


 

RGBC Meeting with John Rockwell Zehnder America

By Molly Cox

The Residential Green Building Committee gathered on October 16th, 2017. We had a guest presentation from John Rockwell, of Zehnder America. He was here to help us understand proper and efficient mechanical ventilation standards for buildings.

He started off by emphasizing the importance of making buildings airtight, and not just jumping straight to insulation measures when looking for fixes. He continued to explain that air movement is the primary goal, because of all the contaminants and toxins buildings can have inside (in the rugs, furniture, etc), and we need that to move through.

John went on to explore the different ventilation options: Exhaust Ventilation, Supply Ventilation, Balanced Ventilation and Heat Recovery Ventilation. The conclusion was that the Balanced Ventilation is highly recommended in conjunction with an HRV or ERV, over Supply Ventilation for example, which pulls outside air into the home, while the stale air exits the home through building envelope leakage. The HRV serves as a heat exchanger between the fresh and stale air, and they actually have a higher heat recovery efficiency than an ERV. The reason being is because the HRV isn’t focused on moisture transfer like the ERV’s are, so there are more resources being dedicated to the heat exchange.  

John explained that when choosing to implement an HRV or ERV, it is important to think about climate, occupancy, and humidity levels. Not only are all these ventilation methods supposed to be efficient for overall energy use, but they are also supposed to enhance the health and comfort of the inhabitants within the building.

John taught us a lot on Monday night, and was an extraordinary teacher for all of us! We hope you will join us at our next Residential Green Building Committee meeting to continue the conversation and learn from one another.

Here are some upcoming events to keep an eye on:

October Greenbuild Mixer with BCBS of Massachusetts Oct 26th, Boston

How to Network at Greenbuild and Build Your Career in Sustainability Oct 26th, Boston

 

USGBC MA Stories: Jim Newman, Linnean Solutions

By Jim Newman, Linnean Solutions


Thoughts on the future of green building in Massachusetts

In the Boston area, we have a couple of both advantages and disadvantages that drive the market. One of the advantages we have is a very supportive regulatory environment that is moving all of the built environment towards greener, more environmentally sensitive outcomes. We also export architecture. There are more architects than can work on projects locally, so we are actually a net exporter of design – a big exporter. So things that happen here are exported to other places.

Some of the disadvantages are that even with a very supportive market, it's a relatively conservative practice space. Engineering and architecture practice in the Massachusetts area is not super progressive in general. I think that what is happening with green building now is it is becoming ubiquitous within standard design. It is not the realm of leaders at this point, it is the realm of everybody, and so you see it in all of the regular engineering and architecture firms in the area who are all the least bit engaged. Green building has a lot more reach than in the past.

I think that, in the future, there will be two or three primary movers which emerge out of the general green building movement. One of these is a focus on health and healthy places. This is important to how people live and how people work, and how to improve health. Residential developers have figured this out, and they see value in creating more healthy developments.

The second mover is the net zero movement. I think that the industry, as well as consumers have finally gotten it into their heads that we can make our buildings close to net zero, and even net positive. What we are seeing now is that communities are engaging with the idea of net zero communities, housing developments are engaging with the idea of net zero housing at a large scale, and municipalities are legislating net zero towns. This will be transformative. It is going to take a while for it to take hold in the mainstream, but it is already taking hold for the leading practitioners.

The third mover is that the social structures that have underpinned how development is done are being called into question, which sharpens the game. The resilience movement is part of that. Equity efforts are part of that. I think there are a lot of forces that are pushing people who participate in, regulate, and consume the built environment to rethink what they are trying to do. So, I think there is a real opportunity for us, both as practitioners and as an organization to help move these issues forward. We have a lot of opportunities as a chapter, to really help move the market in ways that are pretty substantial

SMMA Fund Grants Scholarship to Hudson Senior

By USGBC MA Communications


The SMMA Fund, the firm's philanthropic arm, has awarded its 2017 scholarship to Daniel Morton, a senior from Hudson High School. Daniel was chosen from a field of applicants based on his academic performance, recommendations from his counselors and teachers, and his stated intent to pursue studies in the field of design that contributes to the built environment.

Each year, the SMMA Fund grants scholarships to outstanding students from high schools that the firm has designed. The Fund has provided more than $36 thousand in financial assistance to 34 students from 13 high schools since its inception in 2010.

In his application, Daniel cited a passion for mechanical engineering, which has seen him lead a team of fellow students in the development of a sports-based prosthetic for a young softball player. The experience, and the knowledge gained in his time at technology-rich Hudson High School, which has been selected for inclusion in the Massachusetts School Building Authority's Model School Program, has fostered his desire to continue studying the discipline at the collegiate level.

“The SMMA Fund is a demonstration of our commitment to social responsibility and directly benefits the communities we serve,” said Marie Fitzgerald, SMMA board member and director of the firm's interior design practice. “We are proud to assist Daniel as he takes the next step in his educational journey.”

 

 

Presently second in his graduating class of 148, with a grade point average of 4.45, Daniel captains the school's golf and tennis teams, participates in its ski and ultimate Frisbee clubs, and has been a member of the National Honor Society for the entirety of his four-year career. He plans to attend the University of Pennsylania or Northeastern University in the fall of 2017.

 

Sustainability in Higher Ed: Southland Science Tour

By USGBC MA Communications

The Southland Science Tour on Saturday, November 11 is a Greenbuild 2017 Green Building Tour you just can't miss! The day trip will bring attendees to two projects south of Boston that demonstrate how higher education institutions can minimize their environmental footprint despite their high energy use intensity. The objectives of the tour are to understand the key strategies necessary to achieve Zero Net Energy in a laboratory building and identify opportunities to simultaneously enhance occupant health and safety while reducing energy consumption. Upon completing this tour attendees will be able to discuss how historic preservation and modern state-of-the-art educational spaces can combine to create unique, sustainable opportunities and how the site, neighborhood and structure of an historic building can impact the sustainability story of a project, including remediation, preservation and meeting the tenets of LEED certified project.


The John J Sbrega Health and Science Building at Bristol Community College in Fall River, MA, is a 2017 AIA COTE Top Ten recipient, and is anticipated to achieve LEED Platinum certification. Designed as a Net-Zero Energy building, numerous strategies were employed to reduce the building's baseline energy use intensity, and cut fossil fuel consumption. The building realized a 67% reduction in hourly air changes and air-handling capacity. Additional strategies triggered a number of capital cost savings ranging from less ductwork and smaller air handling units to decreased floor-to-floor height and building envelope area. The John J. Sbrega Health and Science Building is as a shared resource occupied by multiple disciplines within the Sciences and Health Professions disciplines at Bristol Community College. The facility represents the translation of basic science to its application in the health professions. For the sciences, the building accommodates flexible instructional labs and support space for field biology, biotech, microbiology, and general chemistry.

 

 


The South Street Landing in Providence, Rhode Island, was an abandoned structure formerly occupied by the Narragansett Electric Company that now houses a statewide modern nursing education facility through a joint venture among three universities. The project team has worked to preserve historic features of the original power station including the large, 50-ton gantry crane and the Dynamo concrete pedestal. The site design features stormwater management best practices, and the 4-story dynamo block and hall where the generators churned electricity was reimagined into a commons. The core/shell and interior fit-out of the nursing education center are both targeting LEED-CS and CI Gold certification. The $220 million South Street Landing project represents a major transformation of the Jewelry District that will spur further economic growth and advance academic excellence in the capital city and across Rhode Island.

 

Greenbuild 2017 is just around the corner! Sign up for this tour and many other opportunities today! Greenbuild is the world's largest conference and expo dedicated to green building. The ideals and passion of the green building community come alive at Greenbuild. The buzz is contagious. Greenbuild brings together industry leaders, experts and frontline professionals dedicated to sustainable building in their everyday work, and a unique energy is sparked. Participants are invigorated. Inspired. They find themselves equipped to return to their jobs with a renewed passion and purpose. Register today!