What Progress Has Been Made for Smart Cities?

By Alexander Landa


In a recent report by Black and Veatch, they outlined the current progress of smart cities in their 2017 Strategic Directions: Smart City/Smart Utility Report, which details the progress made by communities around the world to make a more advanced future.

The report discusses how many groups around the world are embracing what data and analytics can do for their city, and how it can lead to a realistic roadmap to create a smart city. The reports that come from data can help plan and prioritize efforts, and decide what factors need financing and resources the most. This report is quite comprehensive in that they also discuss what obstacles may prevent further expansion on these ideas, such as planning, funding, data management, and technological affordances (or lack thereof). 

It's exciting to see what initiatives are already taking place to help major metropolitan areas become smart cities. Grid modernization is useful in that with many different sources of energy, it's difficult to manage it properly – but we're finally figuring out distribution automation to help streamline the process.

The full report is really comprehensive, interesting, and innovative. We strongly recommend that if you're interested in smart cities that you read through the rest of the content! Read the full report here.

To learn more about smart cities, the internet of things, grid modernization, and more, come out to Fraunhofer on February 16th and join us for our upcoming Building Tech Forum!

Make a Nomination for the Best of Green Schools 2017

By Anisa Baldwin Metzger


The Center for Green Schools at the USGBC is once again partnering with the Green Schools National Network to co-present the Best of Green Schools 2017. The Best of Green Schools is designed to acknowledge the people, schools, campuses, and organizations that are making a huge difference in creating more green schools for students.

Best of Green Schools celebrates the hard work being done to push the green schools movement forward. Last year’s honorees included schools with innovative and integrated curriculum that represents the best that 21st-century learning has to offer, policy makers who’ve made environmental sustainability core to their platforms and legacies and organizations that came together on the national level to advance healthy schools for all. 

If you or someone you know is making significant strides toward creating more sustainable schools, we want to hear from you! You may submit nominations for yourself and others.  The call for nominations closes on Feb. 14, 2017.

Award recipients will be announced at the 2017 Green Schools Conference and Expo, March 21–22 in Atlanta, Georgia. This annual gathering of innovators in the green schools movement is the perfect moment to celebrate the leadership embodied by the awardees. After you submit your nomination, register to attend the conference so you’ll be on hand in Atlanta for the awards.

Submit your nominations now!

Read the original story by the Center for Green Schools.

Building Tech Forum 2017 Partner Announcement – Union Point

By USGBC MA


We're proud to announce that Union Point has become a sponsoring partner of our upcoming Building Tech Forum on Thursday, 2/16! This highly-accomplished group has joined the ranks of Boston Properties and Siemens.

Led by LStar Communities, Elkus Manfredi Architects and Sasaki Associates, Union Point is a new smart city just outside of Boston providing a culturally rich, urban environment with direct access to the city’s transit system. Envisioned as a beautiful and sustainable city rooted in 21st-century urbanism, Union Point is built with innovation and environmental consciousness at its core. The master vision for Union Point combines attributes including easy access to public transportation, entertainment and sports venues, art and culture, and education – with natural open spaces, pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly roadways, and tomorrow’s communications and smart-living technologies.  The result will be a community that combines active living with smart city design to offer the advantages of urban density in a supremely livable environment.

Union Point comprises:

  • 1,500 acres
  • 4,000+ Residences
  • 8 million+ square feet of commercial development 
  • 1,000 acres of green space and 50 miles of hiking/biking trails

Thank you for partnering with us for the event, and we look forward to seeing you there!

February 27 – Building Tour at Northeastern University's ISEC

By USGBC MA


The new Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex (ISEC) on Northeastern University's campus has integration at the heart of its design. The building and the surrounding landscape promote a sense of fluidity and connectivity, from the iconic sun shading finned facade to the spiraling steel staircase in the center of the six-story atrium. The motivation behind the ISEC's design is “enabling the fortuitous collisions, conversations, and collaborations that break down disciplinary divides” and there is still more to come, with an arching bridge spanning over the MBTA tracks connecting the ISEC to the main campus.
Not only does it look good, but the 220,000 sf complex saves 50% of the energy a baseline building uses, 40% water reduction and 75% of the construction waste was diverted to the landfills.

There's something unique around every curve!

The tour will highlight mechanical and design systems which contribute to the high-performance building attributes.

Networking happens during the tour and after the tour as most groups converge for a quick bite or drink after the conclusion of the 90 min tour.

Register here!

Monday, February 27th 2017
5:30pm – 7:00pm
ISEC Building
360 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA, 02115

February 2017 Newsletter – We're #1 for LEED and We're Stoked for the Building Tech Forum!

By USGBC MA


Read the full newsletter here!

Although “generally victorious” can be something of a punk attitude, I am actually feeling pretty good since the recent USGBC rankings were announced. Lots of great stories behind the numbers, throughout the country. 

Congratulations to our colleagues who have worked so hard over the course of the past year to attain certifications of their green building projects. I'm sure we'll see you and raise our glasses at our Green Building Showcase later this year.

We are #1 in the Top Ten States for LEED.

Our community of practitioners gathered last week fo our Annual General Meeting. What a fine crew! So many good people who are working to advance our mission every day. Lots of new faces as well – great to see. We must congratulate our Volunteers of the Year, and new Board members. There are many ways to be involved with our work. Have you played ENGAGE yet?  

I look forward to our next encounter: perhaps at the Building Tech Forum?

Read the full newsletter here!

Boston University’s Climate Action Community Forum Jan 31

By Derek Newberry


Last night, Boston University’s Climate Action Task Force held a public forum to discuss methods for climate adaptation and mitigation with members of the Boston community and BU student body. The workshop was aimed at developing the task force’s (and BU’s) climate change preparation and readiness with a specific focus on energy sustainability, transportation issues, curriculum enhancement, and improvements to supply chain management and waste reduction. This forum not only expanded the community’s understanding and interest in climate adaptation while expanding the university’s reach, but it advanced one of USGBC MA’s advocacy initiativesClimate Adaptation Management and Planning, and Net Zero Action Planning.

If interested in watching a recording of the forum, click here.

Anthony Janetos, director of the Frederick S. Pardee Center at BU and chair of the task force, started the night with a brief presentation on the history of climate change, current CO2 levels, and impacts of a warming climate. He highlighted successful actions taken, including the university’s 25% reduction in energy use since 2006 (beating their 2020 goal by 4 years!), and mentioned critical actors and methods of growth including LEED certification in BU buildings.

He continued with the task force’s objective to create a Five-Point Plan that focuses on university operations (in terms of mitigation and adaptation), research, education, finance, and community engagement. The task force hopes to complete the plan by late summer to give the community and BU’s Board of Trustees time to approve and develop the plan for implementation. Following Janetos’ introduction, three other task force members discussed their focus areas with the audience, including supply chain and waste management, energy, and transportation. Then they turned it over to us, the audience, to figure these issues out.

Sitting amongst a handful of students, faculty, and David Frank, BU dining’s Sustainability Manager, we slowly started off the introductions and then quickly leapt into our focus area: supply chains and waste. Our discussion provided a wonderful insight into the general understanding of such problems and allowed task force members to move throughout the tables to answer questions and mull over ideas. Our group came up with meatless Mondays, community gardens, and demonstrations of public awareness and advocacy to name a few. Finally, each table presented their ideas and then Janetos finished off the night.

BU’s climate action plan, along with those from other universities, the city of Boston, and communities throughout Massachusetts, will all contribute to the expansion of successful climate adaptation management, promote public involvement, and accelerate state-level legislation and action. It’s discussions like this and the ideas and interactions they facilitate down the road that help the USGBC MA expand its involvement and promote a sustainable future. There will be another community forum on February 14, at 4pm at 72 East Concord Street (L) – Hiebert Lounge. RSVP here if interested, () and check out future events and involvement here.

Grid Modernization Jan 31 Morning Session Recap

By Alexander Landa


The morning of January 31st was an engaging one. Ben Pignatelli of the Boston DPU came by our Boston office to talk grid modernization in Massachusetts, why it's important, and the steps we can take to get the entire city there.

Grid modernization goes beyond just looking at the electric wires' topic – we can start looking at new technologies, sustainable design, and how we can factor in smart cities (which you can learn more about at our upcoming Building Tech Forum).

Other states are ahead of us in the grid now – and if we've proven that we can become the #1 state for LEED buildings, then we can become the leader in grid mod too!

If you aren't able to attend morning events due to work conflicts, fear not! We're now doing live webinars for a discounted price. Simply sign up for a webinar ticket for our morning sessions and we'll email you the details. Just click the button from work, home, the cafe, or wherever you are in the morning, and watch from anywhere!

Don't forget – Chapter members get discounts to every event we hold. Become a member today and become an integral part of our community.

Sponsor Highlight – National Grid's Innovative ConnectedSolutions Program

By USGBC MA


We can never thank National Grid enough for being a Platinum Sponsor, and we're thrilled that they stopped by our Annual Meeting last week to give a tight, efficient presentation. Paul Wassink and Mark Stafford took the floor to discuss – for the first time ever publicly – the new ConnectedSolutions program, which is something every business owner should care about.

We're talking free money! If you sign up, you can qualify to get a direct rebate for curtailing peak electricity loads. It's awesome.

Summer is a bad time for electricity demand, with everyone blasting the air conditioner seemingly 24/7 until October. National Grid wants to combat peak electric demand, and by reducing electric use by just a few hours a day during the summer months, you can help reduce emissions, infrastructure costs, and energy prices overall. And save money!

In the summer, the electric grid is pushed to its limit, meaning power plants must be sized and to meet the spike in demand. Peak timing is considered 10am-8pm on weekdays, especially in the late afternoon, so if you can go just a few hours, or even a few minutes, without cranking up the AC on full blast, a huge difference can be made.

Saving energy is more rewarding! When you lower energy consumption during demand response events, there are some clear incentives: Capacity payment becomes $20 per kW per year, and for performance payments, $0.75 per kWh during events.

 

Read more about ConnectedSolutions here.

Follow National Grid's lead and become a sponsor of the USGBC MA Chapter!

 

Mayor Walsh Tours Energy Positive Homes Under Construction in Roxbury

By City of Boston


BOSTON – Monday, January 30, 2017 – Mayor Martin J. Walsh on Saturday toured four new homes under construction in Roxbury that will produce more energy than they consume. These high performance green homes will be certified LEED Platinum, the U.S. Green Building Council's highest rating for sustainable design. The Mayor was joined by Jonathan Kantar the principal of Sage Builders LLC and the project developer, Place Tailor, a Roxbury based building crew, and representatives from the Highland Park Project Review Committee.

“Homes that generate as much energy as they use exemplify the kind of innovation that makes Boston a world leader on climate action,” said Mayor Walsh. “With these new homes, we are taking another measurable step toward our goal of being carbon neutral by 2050.”

The development is part of the E+ Green Building Program which is managed jointly by the Boston Planning and Development Agency, the Department of Neighborhood Development, and the City of Boston Environment Department.

All of the homes being built will be energy efficient with highly insulated, air-tight walls and windows, LED lights, solar panels, and water-efficient plumbing. The design features, which include energy recovery ventilation, ensure lots of fresh air while allowing the homes to keep a consistent temperature throughout the year with minimal heating in the winter or cooling in the summer. Building materials are selected and installed so as to ensure a healthy indoor environment for the occupants and minimal impact on our natural resources.


The residential development located on 156 Highland Street includes two buildings totaling four homeownership units. The front building, which is two and a half stories and designed in a Greek Revival style, includes two side-by-side homeowner units. Each has three bedrooms and a two and a half baths, totaling approximately 1,300 square feet of living space. The rear building, which is also two and half stories and is rendered in a Carriage House style, includes two stacked units; each has two-bedrooms and one bathroom, totaling approximately 1,000 square feet. All four units will have separate front and rear entrances, a dedicated parking space, and an exterior patio space. The site includes advanced stormwater management practices, stone work salvaged from the site, and indigenous drought resistant landscaping. The four units will be sold to homeowners, three at market rate and one as an affordable home for a family with an income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income level.

Place Tailor, a young Roxbury based building crew with an expertise in high performance construction, was brought on by Sage Builders both for their technical and local expertise.

Piloting new practices like these E+ Green Buildings that are net-positive reflects some of the strategies outlined in the City's Updated 2014 Climate Action Plan for reducing Boston's greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020 and for achieving our new goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Building account for almost three quarters of Boston's greenhouse gas emissions. Boston's E+ Green Building Program is playing a critical role by achieving significant emission reductions and by pioneering the next generation of high performance green buildings. Boston will continue to pilot net-positive building practices with new and expanded E+ Green Building and E+ Green Communities offerings.  Please visit EPositiveBoston.org for more detailed information and updates on new opportunities to lead the way.

This week Massachusetts was named the 2016 top state for LEED buildings in the U.S. Green Building Council's annual ranking of top states, with Boston's leadership at the forefront of the state's work.  

The E+ Green Building Program's sponsors include Eversource and National Grid, as well as the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the Massachusetts USGBC Chapter, and the Boston Society of Architects/AIA.  
 

MIT Media Lab is Pushing Boston to Become a Smart City with Smart Fixtures

By Alexander Landa


MIT has always been known for their innovation and scientific prowess, both around Cambridge & Boston and around the world. The MIT Media Lab spinout group, Changing Environments, has made something pretty cool for the greater Boston area – Soofa.

The Soofa bench is solar-powered, and has a charging station for mobile devices as well as the ability to connect to wireless devices. These benches are now in 65 cities in the U.S., such as New York, Los Angeles, and more, and even in other countries like Canada, Costa Rica, Germany, and others.

Boston is a great location for these technologies, such as the Soofa Sign (also solar-powered) that displays public transit times, weather, events, and other city information. If you're around the area and want to see the signs, go to Kendall Square in Cambridge, and Porter Square in Cambridge & Somerville. 

It's thanks to innovative groups like this that are pushing existing technology and cities to become smart cities. The internet of things is a real thing, and it's time to embrace it.

To hear more about the internet of things and smart cities, come to our upcoming Building Tech Forum on February 16th!