EPMA Sustainable Bike tour of the Emerald Necklace

By Ryan Montoni, The Green Engineer

By Ryan Montoni, The Green Engineer

Overall, the bike tour turned out to be a huge success!
 

All who attended would all like to thank Jessica Mink from MassPaths for providing us with a wonderful, seventeen mile ride through places that most of us were previously unfamiliar with.  
 
During the three hour ride, we were able to see Franklin Park, the Arnold Arboretum, the Audubon Boston Nature Center, and much more.

 

 
MassPaths is a non-profit organizations whose goal is to increase the proportion of non-polluting, human-powered vehicles in the transportation mix by promoting the development of off-road routes or bike paths that allow bikes to travel all the places that cars can.
 
 

Thanks again Jessica! Our chapter fully supports your mission and we are looking forward to working with MassPaths again soon!

The Weekly Bulletin to 8/22/14

By Grey Lee

Summertime and the green building is easy!

Especially with the new announcement of integration across Standard 189.1 – linking ASHRAE, IES, the IgCC, and LEED. Read about it in a great post by Brendan Owens at USGBC
 

We have our EPMA Sustainable Building Bike Tour tomorrow in Boston (starting in Cambridge).

We have a Green Schools Committee meeting on Tuesday 8/26 at 6pm in Boston. We'll be finalizing planning for the Green Apple Day of Service. So far we have about 25 projects in the works, throughout the state. This year we are offering “mini-grants” to help fund supplies for the service projects. Sponsors of the mini-grants include: National Grid, NStar, Capitol Waste Services, Re-Stream, and Triumph Modular.

 
 
Coming up in September: The LEED Project Showcase! Reach out to your colleagues now! We want their certified projects to be in our show. This is a major fundraiser for the Chapter and it's going to be an excellent time for all.
 
Also in October, DisruptCRE is a mini-conference we're participating in to bring together innovators and startups who are going to reshape the way real estate is done – from crowdfunding to co-working and also how buildings are created and operated. The Chapter is sponsoring a panel on “The Science of Buildings” to go into the technologies that are transforming our practice and often saving energy and improving tenant experience at the end of the day. We won't mention how LEED was a major disruptor of the entire industry when it came out 15 years ago and is still making waves…
 
Another pic of our finally fit-out office – now on the 15th floor of 50 Milk Street – at CIC Boston!
 
 
The view from our new corner cubicle – hey! It's a green building right there! Who knows which one it is? 
 
 
Thanks for being a part of the USGBC. See you at an event real soon!

The Weekly Bulletin to 8/15/14

By Grey Lee

by Grey Lee, USGBC MA

What's been going on? I hope you've had a good time getting out into the countryside, or the oceanside for that matter. Though the city existence has good moments too.
 

 
 
Coming up next Saturday is our EPMA Summer Bike Tour. We'll head from Cambridge to Boston along the Emerald Necklace. Register on the above link. We'll meet at 1pm at Cambridge Bicycle and spend about 3 hours in the saddle. It will be a great time!
 
We have a Green Schools Committee meeting on Tuesday 8/26 at 6pm in Boston. We'll be finalizing all of our planning for the Green Apple Day of Service. So far we have about 25 projects in the works throughout the state. This year we are offering “mini-grants” to help fund supplies for the service projects. Sponsors of the mini-grants include: National Grid, NStar, Capitol Waste Services, Re-Stream, and Triumph Modular.
 
 
Everyone is catching the fever for LEED Projects!  We'll be celebrating on Tuesday 9/30 at Genzyme in Cambridge. This year's LEED Project Showcase will be the biggest one yet. We are reaching out to all 180 project teams from the past many months to find firms who want to sponsor the event. There are great opportunities to present, get a video done, get an ad distributed and of course, network at the actual event. Check out the Sponsorship Packages now!
 
 

Here's Jim Newman presenting on resilience earlier this week – based on his report “Building Resilience in Boston” and how it connects with the residential marketplace. Where are your mechanicals? Do you really want that beach-front property? How can we use the threat of severe weather events as an opportunity to improve our communities? Thanks Jim – that was a great presentation.
 

Other events this week were the “Switch Flipping Ceremony” for Boston Properties' 820kW array in Waltham and Eric Corey Freed's “The Net Zero Imperative” presentation. 

Stay tuned to the USGBC MA Chapter as we bring you more of the best as we promote, facilitate and celebrate MORE GREEN BUILDINGS!
 

Looking at Mt. Passaconaway from Hedgehog Mountain

The Net Zero Imperative with Eric Corey Freed

By Grey Lee

Star of the organicARCHITECT world, Eric Corey Freed came to the USGBC MA to present his program on “The Net Zero Imperative” this morning. Almost 20 practitioners came out to roll up their sleeves and hear Eric's 20-point plan on how to get to net zero in their work on the built environment.

 

We had attendees representing state and local governments such as the City's Environment Department, community developers, building scientists, architects, contractors, LEED consultants and biomimicry experts. It was a great crowd and engaging discussions ensued.

 

The “20 Steps to Net Zero” of organicARCHITECT are:
 

  • Integrated Design Process
  • Load Reduction
  • Site Design
  • Energy Model
  • Orientation
  • Massing
  • Envelope
  • Daylighting
  • Systems Efficiency
  • Passive
  • Active
  • Recovery
  • Regeneration
  • Self Generation
  • Offsets
  • Operational Best Practices
  • Maintenance
  • Occupant Behavior Management
  • Data Collection & Analysis
  • Education
All told, it was a tour-de-force and inspirational presentation. You'll have to come out for his next presentation in the spring of 2015.
 

 

Eric's overarching message: just do it. Don't ask. If you have to, sneak it in!

It was a great presentation of over 600 slides. Whew! Thank you Eric!

 

 

Putting Solar On It: Boston Properties Garage Roof 840kW PV Array

By Grey Lee

Monday witnessed the “Switch Flipping” ceremony for Boston Properties' new solar array at their Bay Colony Corporate Center in Waltham, MA. 

See the previous blog for the details on the system.

Many of the project participants were in attendance along with local and state dignitaries to celebrate.

It was great to attend and see real leaders for the future of sustainability in real estate. Congratulations and thank you Boston Properties!

Here is the scene: on a hillside in western Waltham, the “outside” of Rt. 128 accessible from Winter Street is Bay Colony, a couple million sq. ft. of prime Class A corporate office space. On a parking structure, the Boston Properties team, led by Chapter Director Ben Myers, conceived, organized (& financed) and implemented an 840kW PV array. In the distance you can see other Boston Properties holdings in Back Bay, Boston on the horizon.

 

According to the team, this is the largest one of its kind in the Northeast. Participants included: Solaire, Healthy Planet Partners, and Boston Properties.

 

 

Also in attendance were members of the regional brokerage team – including Bruce Lee of Lee Partners of New England who used to work at Bay Colony (on left) and Boston Properties' SVP of Leasing David Provost (on right).

 

Boston Properties is clearly a leader on sustainability in the built environment. They have one of the largest portfolios of LEED certified space in the state, and I've heard they are going for a net-zero project in Boston in the near future…

 

Here we have Senior VP Bryan Koop, Construction Manager (and Chapter Director) Ben Myers (who coordinated the project) and Michael Richter of Healthy Planet Partners discussing how they'll present and manage to “flip the switch”.

 

 

Congratulations, Ben!  Nice work on behalf of our movement!

 

The Boston Properties Team “Array!”

 

Press Release for Boston Properties' 840 kW Solar Array in Waltham

By Laura Sesody, Boston Properties

By Laura Sesody, Boston Properties

Boston Properties, Healthy Planet Partners and Solaire Generation Complete Northeast’s Largest Garage-Mounted Solar Canopy – 840 kW Solar Array at Boston Properties’ Bay Colony Office Park in Waltham, MA

Flipping the Switch: Undersecretary Mark Sylvia of the MA EEA, Michael Richter of Healthy Planet Partners, Laurence Mackler of Solaire, and Bryan Koop of Boston Properties
 

August 11, 2014 – Boston Properties (NYSE: BXP), Healthy Planet Partners (“HPP”) and Solaire Generation today announced they were “Flipping the Switch” on the Northeastern United States’ largest garage mounted solar canopy at Boston Properties’ Bay Colony. The solar canopy covers 60,000 sq. ft. at the 950 Winter Street parking garage. The 840 kW installation is projected to produce more than one (1) million kWh of renewable power annually. The energy produced is equivalent to twenty percent of Bay Colony Building 950’s total consumption or enough energy to power 130 Massachusetts homes. Annually, renewable energy generated by the solar array will offset 340 metric tons of CO2. 

“HPP is extremely proud of this partnership with Boston Properties, a leading commercial REIT in the U.S.,” said Michael Richter, Managing Partner of Healthy Planet Partners. “This significant solar project illustrates a strong commitment to efficient and sustainable operation of buildings and facilities. This effort should serve as a model for the utilization of parking garages across Massachusetts and beyond.”

“With the commissioning of this solar canopy, our properties now host 950 kW of solar installations,” stated Bryan Koop, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager of Boston Properties. “We are pleased to do our part in reaching the State’s aggressive goal of achieving 1,600 MW of installed solar power by 2020.” 

Solaire Generation’s CEO Laurence Mackler added, “Solaire is thrilled to be a part of this exciting project. We applaud Boston Properties’ taking advantage of significant space available on their parking lots and thinking beyond traditional rooftop and ground-mount solar installations. ”

The project included the installation of 2,850 panels and nearly 300 tons of steel. In addition to generating clean energy at a discounted rate to the customers at Bay Colony, the canopies protect employees and visitors at 950 Winter Street from the elements. 

About Healthy Planet Partners, LLC

Headquartered in Greenwich, CT, Healthy Planet Partners, LLC (“HPP”) is a diversified asset manager focused on investments in energy and infrastructure. The firm provides capital, expertise, and a broad network of experts to help clients minimize environmental impact and maximize performance. HPP targets investments serving commercial, industrial, governmental and utility clients in energy and infrastructure. For further information about HPP, see www.healthyplanetpartners.com

About Boston Properties

Boston Properties is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust that develops, redevelops, acquires, manages, operates and owns a diverse portfolio of Class A office space, one hotel, three residential properties and four retail properties. The Company is one of the largest owners and developers of Class A office properties in the United States, concentrated in four markets – Boston, New York, San Francisco and Washington, DC. For more information about Boston Properties, see www.bostonproperties.com.

About Solaire Generation

Solaire Generation is the market leader for the design, fabrication, and installation of elegant solar solutions. With more than 40 MW of solar parking canopies installed to date, Solaire is expanding its offerings to include financing and development of carport, roof, and ground solar projects, as well as a la carte EPC services. Solaire is active across the United States and in select international markets. For further information about Solaire Generation, see www.solairegeneration.com.

USGBC Massachusetts Chapter: West Branch – Summer Social 2014

By Mark Dunn, Chair of USGBC MA West Branch

By Mark Dunn, Chair, USGBC MA West Branch

Friday August 8th, approximately two dozen members of the USGBC MA West Branch (and friends & family) attended the second annual Summer Social BBQ at the home of former West Branch Chair Ludmilla Pavlova-Gilham in North Amherst.

 

We convened our monthly organizational meeting during the social event. Topics included:

  • Organizing for the Green Apple Day of Service
  • Enhancing communications and using social media
  • Exploring the webinar, study group and GBCI credit-reporting situations
  • Update on the Common School
  • Update on USGBC National's re-organization of the Chapters & membership process
It was a great gathering had by all. Especially enjoyable was meeting people new to the group through the Western MA Green Consortium. We all look forward to further collaboration among members of our green building community in Western Massachusetts.
 
Happy Rest-of-Summer, Everyone!

Leading Edge Green Partnership Program = donations for USGBC Massachusetts

By Grey Lee

New Program Gives Back to Non-Profits Whose Missions Include Sustainability and Green Buildings

Natick, MA (July 31, 2014) – RE/MAX of New England is pleased to announce that Boston-based RE/MAX Leading Edge has unveiled the Leading Edge Green Partnership Program (LEGPP). The program is designed to reward non-profits that support green building and sustainability in Massachusetts, as well as to promote market transformation towards healthier and more energy-efficient buildings in the Commonwealth. 
 

Craig Foley (Green Partnership Program), Travis Estes (Next Step Living), and Grey Lee (USGBC MA)

The pilot transaction featured an employee from Next Step Living, New England’s leading provider of home energy solutions, who purchased a home with the help of National Association of REALTORS® Green Designee Craig Foley of RE/MAX Leading Edge. The transaction closed at the end of May and resulted in a check for 5% of the gross commission to the Massachusetts Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The USGBC is a registered 501(c)(3) and a champion of green building.

“We really appreciate this kind of support for our mission to facilitate more green buildings and market transformation,” said Grey Lee, Executive Director of the MA Chapter of the USGBC. “The green partnership program that RE/MAX Leading Edge has created underlines their commitment to the green marketplace.

The program refers real estate buyers and sellers to Massachusetts real estate agents that have achieved the National Association of REALTORS® Green Designation. More information about the designation can be found via the Green Resource Council website

“RE/MAX Leading Edge has emerged as a frontrunner in the green housing market,” said Dan Breault, Executive Vice President and Regional Director of RE/MAX of New England. “This partnership with Next Step Living is a great step toward creating a more sustainable building environment in Massachusetts.”

“We are excited to have developed our first substantial collaboration by partnering with Next Step Living. It’s the perfect match to initiate the program,” said Paul Mydelski, broker-owner of RE/MAX Leading Edge. “Being able to give back to the USGBC, a non-profit committed to green building and market transformation, is a perfect mix of players.” 

“Next Step Living is pleased to have this outstanding new partnership with RE/MAX Leading Edge,” said Gabe Shapiro, vice president of outreach programs at Next Step Living. “We have a shared goal to help people live more sustainably and are proud to work with such a leader in promoting green homes.” 

Mission-aligned companies and non-profits that would like to participate and support market transformation with NAR Green Designated agents throughout the state should contact Craig Foley, the Chief of Energy Solutions for RE/MAX Leading Edge, at leadingedgegreen@gmail.com for more information about the LEGPP. NAR Green-Designated agents are encouraged to contact Craig about the program; affiliation with RE/MAX is not required.

About RE/MAX of New England and RE/MAX Integra

Since its inception in 1985, RE/MAX of New England has grown to over 200 offices and 2,700 sales associates throughout Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.  RE/MAX provides franchised residential and commercial real estate services to its franchisees and their real estate professionals. 

About Next Step Living

Next Step Living, No. 84 on the Inc. 500 list of the fastest growing companies in the country, is the leading provider of whole-home energy solutions in New England. Headquartered in Boston’s Innovation District, Next Step Living makes it easy and affordable for people to live in homes with a low environmental impact. For information about buying and selling energy-efficient homes, download a complimentary ebook.

About U.S. Green Building Council, MA Chapter

The mission of the Chapter is to promote the design, construction, and operation of sustainable buildings and communities in Massachusetts through education, collaboration, and advocacy; this enables an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.

About the National Association of REALTORS® Green Designation

NAR's Green Designation is the only National Association of REALTORS® conferred real estate designation designed for agents engaged in issues of energy-efficiency and sustainability in the various facets of real estate.
 

The Weekly Bulletin to 8/8/14

By Grey Lee

New office, new views:
 

 

The Chapter hasn't missed a beat. We are moving full steam ahead with vigorous programming for the rest of the year. We just had our August Board Meeting and discussed our upcoming website renovation – we have just selected a contractor and have a design charette in two weeks. We also talked about strategic priorities going into 2015 and how to engage on two or three major efforts to build out our capacity to reach our vision. What would you say to focus on? 

 

We also went through our budget and talked about events, fundraising and membership. 

Of course the big event is the Massachusetts LEED Project Showcase 2014 on September 30, 2014 at Genzyme.

All project parties are welcome to present a mounted poster of their LEED-Certified building(s) as a “Project Board Sponsor.” There are many categories of sponsorship resulting in advertising, video, and live presenting opportunities at the event. Look at the opportunities on our Showcase Sponsorship page

Next week, we have a workshop on 8/14/14 in Boston: The NET ZERO Imperative with architect Eric Corey Freed.

Also next week on Monday, the Residential Green Building Committee will gather to discuss green residential financing programs.

The Membership Committee is meeting on Tuesday evening.

Both of these meetings take place in Boston.

One last thing to keep on the calendar is the EPMA Summer Bike Tour – on Saturday August 23rd. We'll be biking from Central Sq, Cambridge, over to the Fenway all the way to the Arboretum. See you there!

 

 From our new office, we can see one of the biggest green buildings in Boston – One Beacon Place. They were also winners of our Green Building of the Year award this year. 
 
 
Below: getting together with the Living Building Challenge Collaborative. We were hosted at Next Phase Studios in Back Bay, planning a presentation for October.
 

 

Nitsch Engineering Ranked #2 Best Civil Engineering Firm to Work For

By Grey Lee

Congratulations to Nitsch Engineering, a USGBC MA Chapter Sponsor, for being named a great place to work!
 

 
For the sixth time, Nitsch Engineering, Inc. – a Boston-based civil engineering, land surveying, transportation engineering, sustainable site consulting, planning, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) firm – has been recognized as one of the Best Firms to Work For in the United States by ZweigWhite. Nitsch Engineering was ranked #2 in the ranking of civil engineering firms and #4 in the A/E industry overall.
 
“We are particularly proud of this award because the ranking weighs employee feedback more heavily than corporate information – which shows us that we’ve been successful in building a company where our employees feel respected, have challenging and exciting work, and are happy with the direction the firm has taken,” said Lisa A. Brothers, PE, LEED AP, President/CEO of Nitsch Engineering.
 
“Nitsch Engineering is dedicated to continuing to listen to our employees and to provide them with the work/life balance and professional growth opportunities that directly address their needs. We look forward to continuing to improve our workplace as we grow in the future – and to hopefully being ranked #1 soon!”  
 
The Best Firms to Work For list is one of the most meaningful rankings in the industry. The annual competition includes a corporate survey, which accounts for 25% of the total score, and an employee satisfaction survey that accounts for 75% of the total score. Grading criteria include corporate culture, benefits, compensation, professional development, performance/recognition, and recruiting/retention. All of this year’s winners can be seen on ZweigWhite’s website at http://www.zweigwhite.com/awards/best-firms-to-work-for/index.php.  
  
About Nitsch Engineering
 
Nitsch Engineering (www.nitscheng.com) specializes in providing civil engineering, land surveying, transportation engineering, sustainable site consulting, 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) for states including New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.