ZeroEnergy Design
Photos: Leise Jones

Clean Energy Center - Boston, MA

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.

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.

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

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 Terrene Sustainable Interior Solutions of South Yarmouth, 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!

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.

Learn More: Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

 

        Basics
  • Square Footage: 12,000
  • Workstations: 34
  • Offices: 14
  • Meeting Rooms: 3
     
        Energy
  • High Efficiency Equipment, Controls, Mechanical Systems and LED & Fluorescent Lighting.
        Health
  • Low- to No-Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) and Urea-Formaldehyde Free Materials, Finishes, Paints, Fabrics and Furnishings. Green Label Plus Carpet, SMaRT Furniture, GREENGUARD Furniture.
        Green
  • In-state, Regional and Domestic Materials, Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures. Materials with Recycled and Reclaimed Content. Polished Concrete Floors.