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Environmental Protection Agency, Chelmsford, MA

Exterior 1

Description of Work:

The genesis for the design of the facility began in the early 1990's and as such, much of the initial design specifications for the building hadn't included major energy efficient or green provisions. The team members, (mindful of Executive Orders 13101: Greening the Government through Waste Prevention, Recycling and Federal Acquisition and 13123: Greening the Government through Efficient Energy Management) were in agreement. They would do whatever they could to modify the design, to take advantage of new technologies, to include new, innovative, and improved construction materials and techniques.

Their shared vision was to make this a state-of-the-art environmental analysis laboratory which would also serve as a showplace where both EPA and GSA could demonstrate that they "walk the talk". The team chose to achieve the lofty goal of being) the first laboratory facility to earn at least a Silver rating from the U.S. Green Building Council's "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" (LEED®) rating (program). This is a significant accomplishment as laboratories are notoriously energy inefficient and as such do not normally lend themselves to a LEED® rating.

Building Type:

Single Story Class  A Office/Laboratory/Warehouse

Size:

45,000 SF Office/Lab  25,000 SF Warehouse

Project Results:

GSA was considering using the facility for Homeland Security disaster control center for Boston area.

Key Features:

  • The first laboratory to receive Gold LEED Rating
  • Building and site were designed for tenant's mission and comfort.  The site includes a basketball court and a sand volley ball court.

Awards and Peer Recognition:

  • GSA Environmental Award, 2002
  • Real Property Innovation Award, 2002
  • GSA Meritorious Team Award, 2002
  • White House Closing the Circle Award - Category: Model Facility, 2002
  • EPA Regional Bronze Medal, 2002
  • Industrial Designers Society of America, Gold Medal Award: Industrial Design Excellence, 2001
  • Association of General Contractors: Build Massachusetts Merit Award, 2003
  • LEED's Gold Designation, 2003