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The move to the South End was driven by expansion. The design was driven by sustainability. Commodore provided Partners Harvard Medical International with extensive pre-construction services that evaluated the cost impact of various green building methods and potential levels of LEED certification.
The 12-week schedule included complete demolition of the core and shell, two new kitchens, three conference rooms, a training room, coffee bar, library, three team rooms, touch-down stations for clients, quiet rooms for mothers, new offices and cubicles. Mid-way through the project, Harvard Medical International was acquired by Partners, requiring the field team to adapt to new IT and management requirements.
The new space has a clean look and modern feel, designed to minimize environmental impact and maximize occupant health and productivity.
High efficiency, low-flow plumbing fixtures reduce water waste by 30%. The lighting systems and controls consume 35% less power than the typical office. Extensive recycling efforts during construction reduced the solid waste that’s typically headed for landfills by 80%. The space contains designated areas for the collection, storage and recycling of paper, cardboard, cans and aluminum.
During design and construction, materials were specifically selected to minimize adverse effects on the environment.
- Recycled materials constitute over 20% of the total material used for the project.
- Twenty percent of the materials and products used during construction were manufactured within a 500-mile radius of the project, reducing the environmental impact of shipping.
- Nearly 70% of the wood used in the project is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. FSC-certified products come from forests managed and harvested in a sustainable manner.
- Renewable materials such as bamboo and cork flooring were used wherever possible.
Care was taken to deliver a high level of indoor air quality. Permanent monitoring and alarm systems are installed to ensure that the ventilation system operates optimally for the health of occupants. An Air Quality Management Plan was followed during construction to prevent the accumulation of dust and pollutants in permanent building systems. Adhesives, sealants, paints, carpet and office furniture in the space was specifically selected to minimize the off-gassing of VOCs.
PHMI is seeking silver certification under the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). |
