National Report: World green building trends 2016: Focus on China

By Ryan Duffy, Communications Fellow


In February, USGBC announced the results of research by Dodge Data and Analytics, with which USGBC has partnered, in the World Green Building Trends 2016 SmartMarket Report. In a brief series, USGBC has highlighted specific aspects of the report. 

Although China is still emerging as a green building market, the respondents to the World Green Building Trends survey expect rapid growth in the industry. Only 5 percent report that the current majority of their projects are green; however, 28 percent also report that they expect to be doing over 60 percent of their projects as green building within three years. The market in China is also differentiated by the extent to which protecting natural resources, improving indoor air quality and enhancing health and well-being through green building are seen as priorities.

 

Sectors with expected growth

China, like India, anticipates growth in the sectors of new commercial and high-rise residential. Communities was also reported as a sector with high expected growth: 

  • New commercial buildings (office, retail, hotel): 55 percent of respondents from China expect to build in this sector in the next three years, compared with 46 percent worldwide. 
  • New high-rise residential buildings (four or more floors): 45 percent of respondents from China expect to build in this area over the next three years, compared with only 25 percent globally.
  • Communities (mixed-use development combining residential and commercial buildings): The highest percentage of any responding nation, 36 percent, expects to work on green building in communities. The only other countries that come close to this are Singapore and Brazil.

In contrast, many fewer respondents anticipated doing existing building retrofits (19 percent) than the global average of 37 percent. 

Top drivers for green building

Market demands are a main driver of green building for 43 percent of respondents, compared to 30 percent globally. In addition, environmental regulations and client demands came in with 36 percent and 34 percent of respondents, respectively, listing them as key drivers. Healthier neighborhoods were also a priority, with 30 percent calling them a top trigger, compared to only 15 percent worldwide.

 

Social benefits

Forty-nine percent chose encouraging sustainable business practices as the top social reason for green building in China, below the global average of 58 percent. But 33 percent of respondents in China considered the ability to create a sense of community a top social reason for building green, compared to 29 percent worldwide. The same percentage selected support of the domestic economy as a reason to build green.

Notably, respondents from China were more likely than those of other nations to choose several environmental reasons for building green as being important, beyond just reducing energy consumption (49 percent)—protecting natural resources (49 percent) and improving air quality (42 percent) were also seen as vital. 

Business benefits

One hundred percent of respondents from China reported using metrics to track green building performance. However, the results are conservative compared to global medians. In particular, the reduction in operating costs over one year for both new buildings and retrofits is listed as 4 percent, although the global median is 9 percent. On the other hand, low initial construction costs also result in shorter payback periods for projects in China than what is typical worldwide, which may help encourage green investment.


 

 

 

 

See the full report here

Want Green Building-Related Experience, Contacts, and Knowledge? Volunteer with Us!

By Ryan Duffy, Communications Fellow

Are you passionate about sustainability, efficiency, and the environment?  Do you have familiarity with green building and understand how the built environment affects all of us and the world? 

If yes, then you should consider joining our volunteers!  We have a variety of open positions with different responsibilities, qualifications, and time commitments, and all positions receive some kind of benefit!

Throughout the year, we also have special posts.  Some examples include Boston's Greenfest and the Northeast Building Facility Managers Show coming up this summer – if any USGBCMA friends or members are planning on attending the exposition, we are looking for volunteers to serve as ambassadors at our booth.

We also hold service project volunteer opportunities – usually in the fall with our Green Apple Day of Service – so stay tuned for those programs.

With any of our short-term or long-term volunteer positions, you will be an integral component of our operations and gain a greater understanding of our organization, its mission and its goals, and how we organize our events, advocate, and conduct outreach.


Volunteer assignments include LEED Study Jam Group Instructor, Webinar Proctor, Green Building Analyst/Reporter, USGBC Ambassador, Green Building Tour Coordinator, Outreach Committee Co-Chair, and Committee Leadership

Each position has its own details and specifics, but with any of these opportunities you will get to know the ins-and-outs of our organization, green building, and more!

If you're interested, you can learn more from our volunteer page or fill out our volunteering questionaire form.  We are very flexible with time commitment, the window of time in which you would want to volunteer, and prior experiences and qualifications.  

Volunteering with the Chapter will qualify for credential maintenance hours for GBCI – up to half of your required hours can be earned through volunteering with us. Usually this is much more engaging than sitting through a webinar late at night!

 

 

Green Building Tour: EMD Serono Research & Development Institute

By Anthony Lucivero, Advocacy Fellow

Our next Green Building Tour event will be on May 26th at 6:00pm at EMD Serono Research & Development Institute in Billerica, MA.  

Come join your green building colleagues for a tour of the EMD Serono Research & Development Institute in Billerica in the Unity and Sagamore buildings. The Unity building, containing 140,000 gsf of laboratory and support space, is connected to the newly renovated office space of the Sagamore building by a an enclosed pedestrian bridge. The Unity building achieved LEED Gold certification in 2011, the Sagamore building achieved LEED Platinum certification in 2015. The Unity building is a state-of -the-art biology and chemistry research facility which houses 200 scientists dedicated to research in cancer biology, cancer immunotherapy, oncogene signaling, medicinal chemistry, molecular modelling, protein engineering, therapeutic antibodies and manufacturing cell lines across its key therapeutic areas. The Sagamore building is a former pilot scale Protein Production Laboratory which has been transformed into an open concept office space where project teams can collaborate, communicate and share knowledge, while further having the access to private project rooms for heads down work. The combined building space comprises 237,000 sf of laboratory and office space housing 450 employees in total.

Both projects received high ratings for indoor environmental air quality, water efficiency, and innovation in the LEED rating system. The Unity building was the sixth research lab in Massachusetts to achieve its level of certification. The Unity building’s green design features include, efficient energy lighting and controls, low flow water systems, grey water system, low flow fume hoods, and maximized natural light throughout the building with a solar array that generates electricity for the main lobby area. The Sagamore building’s sustainable design features include floor and wall treatments of 100% sustainable and/or recycled material, locally sourced low emitting materials, and adaptive use of existing building MEP equipment and systems to optimize energy performance. EMD Serono prides itself on environmental responsibility and cutting edge technology which are driving factors for the facility design.

The presenters from EMD Serono include Tony Meenaghan, Senior Director Facilities EHS & Engineering, Jeff Hyman, Senior Manager, Environmental Health & Safety US, and Jack Conway, Project Manager Facilities.  EMD Serono, is the U.S. biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. And special thanks to our Emerging Professionals committtee for coordinating the event. Chapter members, who are connected to the project, from Ellenzweig, BR+A and The Green Engineer will be on hand to help answer questions.

The event is sponsored by JLL Construction. JLL Construction offers comprehensive services as a construction manager, general contractor and design/builder, completing over 300 diverse assignments annually. With a service reach throughout New England and in Philadelphia, JLL Construction delivers construction solutions to an extensive roster of Life Sciences, Higher Education, Government, Corporate, Industrial, Technology, Hospitality, and Residential/Retail clients. Assignments range from smaller interior fit-outs to $100 million mixed-use developments. Their online portfolio can be viewed at http://jll.com/boston-construction.

The tour will take place from 6:00-7:00pm. EMD will host us for a social event afterwards with drinks and appetizers from 7:00-8:00pm. For carpooling purposes, please include the town from which you will be coming to the tour. EMPA will help facilitate ride sharing for those who are interested.

Register for this tour here!

Check out a co-sponsored event with the French & US Innovators & Entrepreneurs

By Anthony Lucivero, Advocacy Fellow

If you can't make it to our Building Tech Forum this Thursday (which is going to be awesome!), you should check out this “Efficient Buildings And Sustainable Urban Development Techmeeting” event we are co-sponsoring tonight at 6:00pm, Tuesday, 4/19 with the French & US Innovators & Entrepreneurs. 

From their website:

“During this Open Innovation Club Techmeeting, startups and large corporations will get together to discover the latest innovations and develop business relationships around: 

  • Sustainable building solutions for resilience, health and safety. 
  • Smart and connected building technology for energy efficiency”

 

Upcoming Workshop: Understanding LEED for Homes!

By Anthony Lucivero, Advocacy Fellow

On April 26th, the Green Home Institute will be hosting an online workshop entitled “Understanding LEED for Homes.” This is a great opportunity for aspiring LEED APs to learn the ins and outs of LEED Homes in preparation for your AP exam!

From their website:

“This international based residential green building system helps residential professionals make their projects better. Learn how to ensure your next project is healthy, efficient, built to last and affordable through using the LEED rating system and 3rd party performance testing during the construction process. By the end of this online education series, you will be able to:

  • Identify the types of projects which are eligible for certification
  • Recognize the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders in the LEED certification process.
  • Recognize goals, intents, and requirements of prerequisites and key credits, and strategies to meet them
  • Identify synergies between LEED credits
  • Understand how to navigate the LEED checklist and online Submittals Portal
  • Meet Requirements for LEED AP Homes Credential
  • Know Steps to take your Exam”

Register here for this online workshop on Tuesday, April 26th! 

Intro to SITES Presinar

By Ryan Duffy, Communications Fellow


Are you in need of GBCI credits?  Do you want to better understand the USGBC’s suite of LEED rating systems? If so, come to our Introduction to the SITES program presinar Wednesday, April 20th!  This is a part of our new 2016 USGBC MA Chapter webinar series that look at indoor air quality.  We'll also cover energy codes, environmental product declarations, and more later on in the year.

Join us for this informative and interactive webinar at this in person session! Each session in this series is registered for GBCI CE hours and AIA/CES LU/HSW hours. Please note, these webinars are pre- recorded and you are required to attend in person to receive credit.

Read more about the event:

​This overview of the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) informs participants of the critical need for a more careful and sensitive approach to land design and development in regards to the growing population of the planet. SITES goals are identified and explained, and the concept of evaluating ecosystem services as a basis for land design and development is detailed through photographs, graphics, and SITES Pilot Project case study information.

Objectives:

  1. Describe the benefits that ecosystem services provide
  2. Explain the process for regenerative design
  3. List SITES goals
  4. Identify the process for registering a SITES project for certification

This event will be on April 20th at 50 Milk St: 17th Floor- Hercules Conference Room, Boston, 02109. Register here!

Elkus Manfredi on Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research

By Ritchie Lafaille, Office Fellow

This new headquarters for administrative offices completes Novartis Institutes’ research campus located on the site of the historic NECCO building in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In contrast to the adjacent 19th century candy factory that has been converted to 21st century research laboratories, this new construction represents the vision, bold initiative, and openness of one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies.

Elkus Manfredi Architects, a Chapter Sponsoring Partner, designed both the building and its interiors. As the portal for Novartis’ campus, this administrative building is an icon within the heart of Cambridge’s scientific community and provides identity for the multinational pharmaceutical company. The project, which is LEED-NC Gold rated, also fulfills important urban obligations by providing continuous retail at the street level and carefully framing visual access to the historic former power plant at the center of the interior courtyard. The program includes 65,000 square feet of open, flexible office space.

Sustainable design strategies include an underfloor air distribution system; advanced lighting controls; ample daylighting; recyclable and renewable materials and finishes; and a selection of lowemitting materials that meet or exceed VOC limits for adhesives, sealants, paints, composite wood panels, and carpet systems.

It's great to see our sponsoring partners taking the lead on creating more green buildings in Massachusetts! Congrats, Elkus Manfredi!

Building Tech Forum: Featuring these excellent companies!

By Grey Lee

Coming right up on Thursday evening at Greentown Labs in Somerville – please get your tickets today!

 

Read more about the event here.

 

Use this link to get a ticket.

 

Join our Gold Sponsors: Boston Properties and Wentworth Institute of Technology

And our Bronze Sponsors: SMMA, The Green Engineer, Ogletree Deakins and NECEC

And our many other sponsors including MassCEC and Fraunhofer and the many listed in this montage:


Rubenstein Partners and Onyx Equities Lease 305,000SF Suburban New Jersey Office Property to Daiichi Sankyo Pharmaceutical Firm

By USGBC MA Communications

211 Mount Airy Road in Basking Ridge Now 100% Leased in Long-Term Deal

Rubenstein Partners, L.P., a vertically integrated real estate investment manager specializing in value-added office property opportunities in the Eastern half of the United States, together with its partner Onyx Equities, announced today a 305,000 square foot, long-term lease with Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. at 211 Mount Airy Road in Basking Ridge, NJ.  Daiichi Sankyo plans to relocate its U.S. headquarters to Basking Ridge and occupy this 3-building former Avaya campus in its entirety.

“This is an exciting transaction and we’re pleased to welcome Daiichi Sankyo to the property,” said Stephen Card, Principal and the Regional Director of Mid-Atlantic for Rubenstein Partners.  “We continue to believe there is demand for high-quality, Class A, amenitized office space in established suburban markets with access to a highly educated workforce.  In this case we took a well-located but older-vintage office building and transformed it into a beautiful workspace with powerful appeal to modern tenants.”

Affiliates of Rubenstein and Onyx acquired 211 Mount Airy Road from Avaya in 2013.  Following the acquisition, the Rubenstein/Onyx partnership created a redevelopment plan to thoroughly modernize the early 1980’s vintage building in this highly desirable suburban office submarket.  Among other things, the partners decided to replace the existing concrete skin with a contemporary glass curtainwall system that will introduce much more light into tenant space.

“When Onyx and Rubenstein purchased 211 Mt Airy Road and decided to transform it into one of the best suburban office buildings in New Jersey, we were convinced that a great multinational company would identify our commitment to quality,” said DJ Venn, Senior Vice President of Asset Management for Onyx Equities.  “We are proud that Daichi Sankyo recognized this outstanding property as its new home.”

211 Mount Airy Road features headquarters-quality amenities, including a full cafeteria and state-of-the-art fitness facilities.  The property also features a 127-seat auditorium and conference center on-site.

 

Rick Fedrizzi's (USGBC's Founder) Take on Saving the Planet

By Ryan Duffy, Communications Fellow

The following is an excerpt from Greenthink: How Profit can Save the Planet, by USGBC's co-founder and current CEO, Rick Fedrizzi. 

Today we're on a disastrous path. But the good news is that government and business leaders around the world are starting to wake up to reality. The result is, we finally have a chance to break free from the tired global argument about who needs to what to save our planet


On one side, developing countries balk at the idea of emissions caps or other environmental compacts that would limit their economic growth. They note, rightly, that rich nations like America spent the past century growing their economies with the help of dirty fossil fuels and without being hampered by environmental regulations. Developed countries, meanwhile, countercharge that China and other rapidly industrializing nations want to spend the next century doing the same thing, despite the tremendous and irreversible consequences that will have for everyone on the planet. 

This argument has been going on forever, and there's a good reason for that: It's an argument without a resolution. Everyone is right, and everyone is wrong. The simple fact is that all countries– developed and developing alike– use lots of dirty fossil fuels and do terrible things to the environment. Until very recently, it's been the only way to improve living standards and achieve economic growth. 

Yes, a century's reliance on fossil fuels has put our planet in the perilous position it is today. But it has also made the lives of billions of human beings immeasurably better. People are living longer and healthier lives thanks to scientific and technological innovations that simply would not have been possible without large quantities of low-cost energy. An abundance of cheap oil, coal, and gas, combined with the desire for someone, somewhere to make a profit, is what has enabled countries around the globe to build modern societies. 

For a long time, most people understood and accepted the trade-off that some level of environmental decay was the cost of a growing economy that raises standards of living. Cut down a few forests, pollute a few rivers, drive some species to the brink of extinction, and in return you can build a bunch of stuff to sell for a profit and create jobs and growth along the way. You could ignore the negatives– especially when you never saw them with your own eyes. But this old trade-off has become a rip-off, because today, environmental degradation is threatening people's lives and livelihoods. 

Thankfully, for the first time in modern history, economic and environmental interests have begun to align. Environmentalists have long argued that you can't have a healthy economy without a healthy environment. They're right. But the argument never hit home before now, because environmental degradation wasn't impacting companies' bottom lines and countries' GDP. Now it is, in a big way.


It's also going to start shaping the future. 

A couple of years ago, I read an article in the New York Times about parents in Beijing forbidding their kids from playing outside because of the city's terrible air pollution. It brought back memories of my own childhood in upstate New York, where the soot from the local factories interrupted my afterschool playtime. I would get out of school at 2:30 and have to run straight home to help get the laundry in, because at 3:05 the factories nearby would belch black soot over everything in the area. 


So I know how those kids in Beijing feel. They want to run around, get in trouble with their friends, play, explore, and have fun. In other words, they want to be kids! But they can't And they know why: the air is their enemy. Even if they can't put it into words, even if it hasn't yet risen to the level of a conscious thought, I know there is a powerful feeling bubbling up inside them, a feeling that will stay with them forever.  They hate pollution– just like I did. 

Hundreds of millions of kids are growing up right now, in China and around the world, in megacities and rural villages that are being devastated by an intolerable level of pollution and environmental chaos. Many of these kids have friends or relatives who will get sick from bad air, bad water, or the chemicals they don't even know they're being exposed to. Some of them will get sick themselves. Some will die.

This generation is growing up with the pollution that my generation created. It's a terrible thought. But they're also inheriting a world in which profit and the planet are, for the first time, inseparable. It's a difficult concept for folks my age to grasp. But the next generation will understand this intuitively. They'll profit at the expense of pollution– and that will be a beautiful thing.

In the wake of COP21, and with sustainable and energy efficient technologies becoming rapidly more cost-effective, scalable, and profitable, this is a timely excerpt.  You can buy the book on Amazon new for $12.99. Fun fact: each copy of the book is made after the order is placed so as to reduce waste and ineffiency!