Boston Redevelopment Authority Votes to Approve 321 Harrison Development

By USGBC MA Communications

Nordblom Company and Rubenstein Partners to Build 235,000 SF

Class A Office Property on Prime Site in Boston’s South End

September 16, 2016 – Boston – Nordblom Company and Rubenstein Partners, L.P. are proceeding with development plans for 321 Harrison, an eight-story, approximately 230,000-square-foot, Class A office property, following last night’s vote by the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) approving the project.   Affiliates of Rubenstein and Nordblom acquired the 321 Harrison development site, and the adjacent existing office building at 1000 Washington Street, for $75 million in January 2015.

“We’re pleased to receive BRA approval for this exciting project,” said Ogden Hunnewell, Executive Vice President and Partner of Nordblom Company.  “This is an opportunity to build a great building that will continue the strong momentum we are seeing in this up-and-coming mixed use area of Boston, adding high quality space into a submarket with limited supply.”

“321 Harrison is positioned in the midst of a transforming urban neighborhood that we believe is poised for further growth,” noted Deke Schultze, Senior Vice President of Rubenstein Partners, L.P., and director of the New England region.  “We plan to create headquarters-quality corporate office space in this outstanding location and tap into the increased demand we are seeing here.”

The Rubenstein/Nordblom partnership was particularly drawn to the site’s strategic location in a rapidly improving section of the downtown South End/Back Bay office submarket.  321 Harrison and 1000 Washington, which together would comprise 466,000 square feet and are planned to be connected at the lobby level under the approved development plan, are centrally located near a wide array of amenities, including abundant retail and dining opportunities.  Ease of access is provided by entrance ramps to the Massachusetts Turnpike, Southeast Expressway and I-93 just a short distance away.  Logan International Airport is a seven-minute drive from the site, which is also served by the MBTA’s Silver Line and offers convenient shuttle service to South Station.

 

New System Operator Incentives

By USGBC MA Communications

 

New technologies and models of power generation and distribution promise great benefits for consumers and society. As GB’s electricity system operator (ESO), National Grid is keen to hear from customers and bill-payers about the best way to make sure that we deliver on our commitments.

Audrey Ramsay, Future Operability and Incentives Manager, Commercial, Electricity.


Ofgem is the regulator for the ESO and sets us incentives that mimic the forces of a competitive market. This helps to make us more efficient and innovative, resulting in better standards of service for customers and ultimately bill payers.

We’re due a new regulatory and incentives framework from April 2018 that will run to 2021.

Last July, Ofgem set out its thoughts on this new framework and asked for feedback. We held three ‘rapid development’ workshops with subject matter experts (SMEs) from around National Grid to frame our proposals to Ofgem for its consultation.

We’ve published these proposals as 12 outline work packages, with associated incentives. Our purpose in doing this is to show how we could meet the requirements of our enhanced System Operator role by carrying out extra incentivised activities alongside our core functions as ESO.

We’re keen to hear what our customers and bill-payers think of them. What they tell us will inform our submission to Ofgem during its statutory consultation period this autumn. Ofgem will then publish its proposed changes to the ESO licence by the end of 2017.

As Ofgem set out in its working paper, the 2018-21 period could be a time to try new, innovative approaches to regulation that could potentially form part of a more enduring regime after 2021.

 

Students and Emerging Professionals: It's time for Greenbuild!

By Emily Kingston

Are you….

  • Passionate about green buildings?
  • Interested in pursuing a career in a green building related field?
  • Looking to network with the best and brightest in the green building industry?
  • A full-time student or emerging professional age 25 or under?

Then join your peers and volunteer at Greenbuild (the largest green building conference in the world) in Boston this November 8-9, 2017! Volunteer responsibilities include administrative people management, recycling logistics, and other supportive roles. By clocking in an 8-hour volunteer shift, volunteers will be able to

  • Receive a FREE 3-day pass
  • Network with green building leaders and professionals
  • Connect with students and emerging professionals across the nation
  • Attend Greenbuild sessions featuring renowned speakers with a passion for sustainability
  • See the latest and greatest products and services in the Expo hall

Can’t wait till November and want to hang out with green building enthusiasts now? Then join us at one of our upcoming events!

9/21/17 – September Greenbuild Mixer with JLL

9/29/17 – Northeastern’s Energy Conference

10/10/17 – Greenbuild Volunteer Meeting

10/16/17 – Emerging Professionals of Massachusetts Monthly Meeting

10/26/17 – How to Network at Greenbuild and Build Your Career in Sustainability  

Project Spotlight: Subaru of New England Corporate Headquarters & Distribution Center

By Emily Kingston

This project brought together corporate offices, a warehouse and distribution center for vehicle parts, and a training center for mechanics under one roof in a new, state-of-the-art LEED Platinum facility.  A commitment to sustainability is a key focus of the Subaru brand, one that factors in to every level of the company’s business model.  For the client—the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles and parts for the six New England states—a LEED Platinum facility was the goal from project kick-off.  As a result, the project team was able to utilize a holistic approach to sustainability, bringing LEED practices into planning, design, and construction processes from the start.


 

The program consisted of a new 165,000 SF corporate headquarters, employee training, warehouse, and distribution center in Norwood, MA.  At 86 points, the project has been certified LEED Platinum, and is the highest rated NC v2009 LEED project over 100,000 SF in Massachusetts, and is one of highest-rated projects of its kind in the United States.  Sustainable features include:

  • Photovoltaic array providing 228,500 kWh/ year (20% of the building’s energy needs)
  • Site utilizes rainwater collection and drought resistant landscaping
  • Over 30% of the building materials used were sourced within 500 miles of the site
  • Chilled beam HVAC system reduces the building’s energy use by 40%
  • LED lighting throughout and skylights for daylighting significantly reduce electricity usage
  • White roof assembly reduces the heat-island effect
  • High-efficiency plumbing fixtures are projected to reduce the facility’s water usage by 41%

The design and construction team worked hard to ensure that the project met the client’s goals, while paying careful attention to the $30 million budget and completing construction within 15 months.  

 

See more photos here: http://www.grlarchitects.com/subaru-of-new-england/

 

*for new construction, v2009

 

ICON Architecture : “Did you know?”

By Emily Kingston

Did you know that ICON Architecture designed the first Multi-Family Passive House in Massachusetts?

Located on South Boston’s historic waterfront, The Distillery North is not only the first of its kind in Massachusetts, but is also the largest mixed-use Passive House in New England. Occupying a city block between Dorchester Street and H Street in South Boston, the project site was once a rum distillery connected to the Boston Harbor through working canals. The 5-story building now provides 28 ultra-sustainable units as the first phase of a multi-staged development. The Distillery North enhances the vibrant community with ground floor commercial space, a café, and a roof deck with sweeping views of the city.

The Distillery North achieves a total Primary Energy Use Intensity (EUI) of 22.4 kBTU/sf/year, or an incredible 82% reduction of over the baseline estimate of 124.8 kBTU/sf/year for a midrise apartment building using ASHRAE 2013. It achieved a score of 98 LEED points, 8 points above Platinum under the LEED for Homes Midrise Version 3 Rating System. ICON Architecture is already developing its next Passive House projects, and looks forward to spreading this ultra-sustainable design method across New England. For more information – please visit ICON on the web at www.iconarch.com.


The Greenbuild Plenary Speaker will be President Bill Clinton

By James Robe


William Jefferson Clinton, the first Democratic president in six decades to be elected twice, led the United States to the longest economic expansion in American history, including the creation of more than 22 million jobs.

After leaving the White House, President Clinton established the Clinton Foundation in order to continue working on the causes he cared about. Since its founding, the Foundation has endeavored to help build more resilient communities by developing and implementing programs that improve people’s health, strengthen local economies, and protect the environment.

The Foundation is guided by the belief that every problem has a solution and together with a diverse set of partners, works to improve lives around the globe and across the United States through a wide range of initiatives, including the now independent Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), which has helped over 11 million people in more than 70 countries access critical HIV/AIDS medications at CHAI-negotiated prices. The Clinton Climate Initiative, the Clinton Development Initiative, and the Clinton Giustra Enterprise Partnership are applying a business-oriented approach to promote sustainable economic growth and fight climate change in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Caribbean. In the United States, the Foundation is focused on helping children and adults live full and active lives by working to combat the rise in childhood obesity through the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a partnership 

forged with the American Heart Association; reduce health disparities and address emerging health threats like the opioid epidemic by partnering with local communities through the Clinton Health Matters Initiative; and increase awareness about the importance of early childhood development through the Foundation’s Too Small to Fail initiative.

The Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock remains the heart and soul of the Clinton Foundation, and since it opened its doors in 2004, the Clinton Center has hosted hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, catalyzing $3.3 billion in economic impact throughout the community. Today, the Clinton Center also cooperatively manages the Presidential Leadership Scholars Program—a joint effort between the George W. Bush PresidentialCenter, the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation, and the Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation that seeks to equip emerging leaders with the tools they need to drive positive change in their communities.

Above all, President Clinton has always believed that we can do more together than any of us can do on our own. In 2005, he founded the Clinton Global Initiative to foster partnerships among governments, businesses, nongovernmental organizations and private citizens to turn good ideas into measurable results. To date, over 3,600 CGI commitments have already improved the lives of more than 435 million people in more than 180 countries. CGI’s work continues through these ongoing commitments and through the Clinton Global Initiative University which this year, celebrates 10 years of bringing together college and university students from every corner of the globe to turn good ideas into action.

In addition to his continuing roles with the Foundation and CHAI, President Clinton has joined with other former Presidents to support relief efforts for communities recovering from natural disasters—partnering with President George H.W. Bush three times to organize aid and support for those affected by the 2004 tsunami in South Asia, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and Hurricane Ike in 2008, and with President George W. Bush in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti to raise money and assistance for communities devastated by the storm. To this day, the Clinton Foundation continues to support economic growth, job creation and sustainability in communities across Haiti.

President Clinton was born on August 19, 1946, in Hope, Arkansas. He and his wife Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton have one daughter, Chelsea; two grandchildren, and live in Chappaqua, New York.

Greenbuild Plenary takes place Thursday, November 9, 6:00-7:30 pm

Leading a New Generation of High Performance Builders

By Louis Areniello


Recently Sara Greenwood, a consultant on Cadmus’ high performance building team, has earned the WELL Accredited Professional (WELL APTM) credential through the International WELL Building InstituteTM. This credential places Ms. Greenwood among a group of leading professionals dedicated to supporting human health and well-being in the built environment.

WELL AP is the only credential dedicated to signifying advanced knowledge of health and well-being in the built environment and specialization in the WELL Building StandardTM . Cadmus’ high performance building services harness the principles and metrics of sustainability for clients worldwide who want to ensure their buildings operate at peak efficiency, use energy and water as effectively as possible, and are as healthful and comfortable as they can be.

Eversource unveils third solar site for Springfield

By Emily Kingston

Eversource is once again turning sunshine into electricity in Springfield, building its third universal solar facility in the city as part of its statewide commitment to renewable energy. Springfield is already home to two Eversource solar plants, one in Indian Orchard and the other on Cottage Street.
 
“At Eversource, our motto, ‘energy brings us together,’ is especially evident with longstanding partnerships like the one we have with the City of Springfield,” said Eversource Vice President of Business Development Mike Ausere. “We thank our community partners for their help and foresight bringing the benefits of solar power to their city. And we applaud state policymakers for the leadership that’s allowing competitively priced renewable energy to reach an increasing number of homes, businesses and communities across Massachusetts.”

“We have a longstanding partnership with Eversource that’s good for the environment and brings substantial benefits for our residents and their customers,” said Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. “Our collaboration on these solar projects helps us meet important renewable energy goals as well.”  

When the new 5.6 megawatt solar facility on Performance Boulevard is complete, this facility along with Eversource’s two other solar plants in Springfield will be capable of producing a total of nearly 12 megawatts of renewable electricity – enough to power approximately 2,000 homes. The energy company’s new facilities across the commonwealth will also represent a significant reduction in greenhouse emissions, equivalent to taking more than 6,000 cars off the road per year. Eversource’s three solar facilities will generate nearly 12 megawatts of clean energy toward the company’s 70 MW statewide goal.

Clean, emission-free energy from the sun also generates significant revenue for host communities. Along with the other benefits the solar facilities bring to Springfield, Eversource estimates it will pay more than $1 million in property taxes to the city annually for its three solar plants. Eversource is already the city’s largest taxpayer, having paid nearly $9 million in 2016 for all of its operations.

Springfield is one of several communities across Massachusetts that will host an Eversource owned and operated universal solar plants, including solar canopies like the one being built at the company’s East Springfield Service Center that, when completed, will be capable of generating close to 2 megawatts of power. Last December, the Department of Public Utilities approved the company’s plan to build on its commitment to clean solar energy, increasing the amount of solar power produced by Eversource in Massachusetts from 8 megawatts currently to a maximum of 70 megawatts statewide. 

The sites where new solar power plants are being built in both Western and Eastern Massachusetts have all undergone thorough inspections and analysis, making sure the property is accessible, environmentally suitable, and located where the facility can be interconnected with the local electricity grid. Members of Eversource’s solar and community relations teams met with city and town officials, as well as abutters, to keep them fully informed during the entire selection and construction process.

Along with the significant environmental benefits of increasing the number of utility-owned universal solar facilities in Massachusetts, there are substantial cost-saving benefits for electricity customers as well. The company estimates it will produce solar power for about 18 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared to upwards of 50 cents per kilowatt-hour for some private projects currently operating within the commonwealth.

Eversource will sell the solar energy it produces directly into the regional energy market and customers will benefit from the proceeds. Additionally, the company will receive Solar Renewable Energy Credits for the power it produces and will pass the savings along to customers through electricity rates. As a regulated electric utility in Massachusetts, Eversource will not receive net metering credits, which further reduces the price to customers.

Increasing its commitment to solar energy is one of many steps Eversource is taking to benefit the environment. For more information about the energy company’s environmental sustainability policy and programs, visit www.eversource.com.

5 Sites You Don't Want to Miss on Greenbuild Tours

By Rebecca Collins

While there's a lot to be excited about for Greenbuild, from Neil deGrasse Tyson, to the shared Greenbuild/ABX expo hall, to the many educational sessions, we here at USGBC MA are most excited about Greenbuild Tours. That's because we're proud of the plethora of sustainable and innovative buildings in Massachusetts, many created by our members and sponsoring partners, and we can't wait to show them off to green building professionals from around the world.

We know that the tour options (30 tours covering 80 sites) can be a little overwhelming, so we wanted to highlight a few of the coolest sites you don't want to miss on Greenbuild Tours.


Assembly Row

Assembly Row is a great example of urban transformation and revitalization. Once an abandoned brownfield, it is now a thriving mixed-use development that sees thousands of visitors a year. During the tour you'll learn how the public and private sector collaborated to make use of underutilized lands while keeping a holistic view of the sustainability and health of the community at the center of its design. 

See Assembly Row on tour TS11 – Some Assembly Required sponsored by VHB. 
Saturday, November 11, 1-5pm


Steelcase WorkLife Boston| Red Thread and Humanscale Boston Showroom

Interior design plays a large role in the overall sustainability of a building and has a direct effect on the productivity, well-being, and happiness of the building's occupants. The Steelcase Worklife Boston | Red Thread offices and the Humanscale Boston Showroom are two great opportunities on the same tour to see first hand how material transparency and interior design come together to create innovative workspaces.
See Steelcase WorkLife Boston | Red Thread and Humanscale Boston Showroom on tour TS04 –
                                                                                                  Seaport Interiors and Social Justice
 sponsored by Humanscale.
                                                                                                  Saturday, November 11, 8am-12pm


The John J Sbrega Health and Science Building

The John J Sbrega Health and Science Building at Bristol Community College is a 2017 AIA COTE Top Ten recipient designed as a net-zero energy building. It also won the Energy Efficiency Award at USGBC MA's 2017 Green Building Showcase. On the tour you'll learn how to design a net-zero laboratory space while simultaneously enhancing occupant health and safety.

See the John J Sbrega Health and Science Building on tour TS02 – Southland Science Tour.
Saturday, November 11, 8am-4pm


MassCEC Wind Technology Testing Center

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s (MassCEC) Wind Technology Testing Center is the largest indoor wind blade testing center in North America, able to test blades as large as 90 meters in length. On the tour you'll learn about the latest blade testing and prototype development methodologies as well as the careful engineering needed to support high blade weight and machine loads.

See the MassCEC Wind Technology Testing Center on tour TM07 – Clean Tech: Enabling the Future,
Monday, November 6, 8am-12pm


University of Massachusetts Lowell

Massachusetts is home to many higher education institutions leading the way in sustainability. U. Mass Lowell has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. At the same time, the University has reduced Green House Gas (GHG) emissions a remarkable 15% as a result of a clear and defined focus on sustainability. Tour the campus and learn how sustainability is at the core of their strategy for managed growth while transforming their campus.

See U. Mass Lowell on tour TM02 – Campus and Community Regeneration in Lowell.
Monday, November 6, 8am-4pm

 

These are just five of the 80 sites featured on Greenbuild Tours, but hopefully this gives you an idea of the diversity of green and innovative projects we're able to showcase. To see the full list of tours and to register for Greenbuild visit greenbuildexpo.com.

Updating “The Bean”

By Louis Areniello

Skanska has recently announced they signed a lease with CAVA for approximately 2,400 square feet of retail space at The Harlo the developer’s second luxury residential tower in Boston. This location is CAVA’s first in Boston, MA, and brings the building’s retail space to 100 percent leased. Once completed in fall 2017, The Harlo will be a 17-story, 183,000-square-foot building with 212 apartments, robust amenities, and over 7,000-square-feet of ground-floor retail that contributes to the vitality of the Fenway neighborhood.

Skanska’s other developments in Greater Boston include “Boston’s most sustainable block,” in the Seaport District, comprised of 121 Seaport, the first and only elliptical tower in the city with 400,000 square feet of Class-A, flexible office space targeting LEED® Platinum certification, and the site of Boston’s Seaport Shipwreck; 101 Seaport, the North American headquarters for PwC; and Watermark Seaport, a 300,000 square foot, LEED Gold residential building with ground-floor retail, which is more than 90 percent leased. Skanska also developed 150 Second Street, a lab and office building in Cambridge, MA.