The MassCEC needed a green architect to assist with their new office space.

OVERVIEW.  When moving into a new 12,000 square foot modern office space in downtown Boston, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (CEC) asked ZeroEnergy Design to act as its green architect and provide project visioning & sustainability consulting. The 40+ staff members needed a healthy work environment that prioritized energy efficiency and used regional materials.

THINK LOCAL.  The CEC is committed to leveraging Massachusetts' outstanding resources in aca­demic research, technology entrepreneurship, and workforce skills to accelerate growth of the Commonwealth's clean energy industry. As such, when possible, ZED recommended materials and technologies sourced from within Massachusetts. The project was successfully completed in collaboration with Bergmeyer and Lee Kennedy, the general contractor.

EFFICIENT.  Energy conservation and efficiency were embraced throughout the space, including high efficiency office equipment, mechanical systems, LED and fluorescent lighting.

MATERIALS.  The reception desk was designed by ZED with blue Varia Ecoresin accent panels, originally manufactured by 3-Form, then reclaimed from a previous project and fabricated by Altec Plastics of South Boston. The Ecoresin panels themselves contain 40% pre-consumer recycled content, are GREENGUARD Indoor Air Certified, and can be reclaimed again at the end of their useful life.

The incubator area and furniture were designed by ZED and fabricated by Fresh Interiors of West Dennis, MA. The table and work surfaces in the incubator area are made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified Smith & Fong Plyboo bamboo, a rapidly renewable material without any urea-formaldehyde.   The whiteboard paint was manufactured by Idea Paint, of Boston. The use of whiteboard paint, compared to a traditional whiteboard, eliminates the need for a heavy backing material, thus reducing material use and saving on manufacturing and transportation energy. The ability to draw all over the wall further-promotes creativity!

HEALTH.  ZED selected and sourced the furniture throughout the space from Knoll. During the process, optimal views, daylight, health and indoor air quality standards were maintained, including VOC-free finishes & adhesives and GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified fabric selections.

The bright new, healthy, green office space provides an optimal environment for the staff to build the clean energy industry in Massachusetts.

SERVICES: CONSULTING
- Project Visioning
- Sustainability Consulting

IMAGE GALLERy

DESIGN BASICS

Square Footage: 12,000

SOURCES

Knoll
Altec Plastics
Fresh Interiors
Smith & Fong Plyboo
Idea Paint

PROJECT TEAM

Mass Clean Energy Center
Institutional Client
ZeroEnergy Design
Green Architecture
Bergmeyer
Architecture & Space Planning
Lee Kennedy
General Contracting