Catalyze completes solar project at 66 Galen St. for Davis and Boston Development Group

Watertown, MA Catalyze, a clean energy transition company that finances, builds, owns, and operates solar, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging systems for commercial and industrial customers, has completed the operation of a solar and storage project installation at 66 Galen St., a purpose built life science building owned in a joint venture by Davis and Boston Development Group (BDG). The project also included the installation of EV charging stations.

66 Galen St. is a 224,106 s/f class A life science building featuring modern, purpose-built offices and laboratories. The LEED Gold certified facility draws power from its 252 kWdc solar and 125 kW storage system, and also boasts a series of EV charging stations featuring 15 ports. 

The project supports the building’s ability to meet requirements under the city’s Climate and Energy Plan, which calls for 50% solar roof coverage on new and substantially renovated buildings over 10,000 s/f. To support this project, Catalyze participated in the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program, which offers incentives for residential and commercial solar projects throughout Massachusetts.

In addition to the new solar panels, battery storage and EV charging provided by Catalyze, 66 Galen St. is equipped with several features chosen intentionally to enhance the building’s sustainability and climate efficiency. These include the durable, heat resistant exterior material using natural, 100% recyclable terra cotta tiles with a low-e coating that maximizes the building’s insulative properties and minimizes solar heat gain; high-efficiency LED and self-dimming lighting to minimize light pollution; a variable-volume air handler system that creates a 19 percent reduction in energy cost compared to buildings of a similar size; and significant water conservation infrastructure which directs excess rainwater to green space.

“We’re thrilled to bring this project online, marking another milestone in our commitment to innovative development,” said Jared Haines, CEO of Catalyze. “The completion of the 66 Galen facility underscores Davis’ and Boston Development Group’s dedication to creating modern, sustainable spaces that elevate communities. By prioritizing clean energy amenities, ownership recognizes that sustainability is not only an environmental necessity but also a key factor in attracting businesses and residents to vibrant locations like Watertown.”

“66 Galen St. is a premier destination for life science companies, with state-of-the-art lab space and superior amenities, coupled with a strong focus on sustainability and climate-friendly utilities,” said Cappy Daume, chief portfolio management officer at Davis. “The addition of new clean energy solutions such as solar, battery storage and EV charging, are a few of the many important steps we took to differentiate the site from others in the market, furthering our commitment to our ESG goals, and ensuring maximum value for Davis’ investors in the long term. We are thrilled to partner with Catalyze to advance our sustainability commitment at 66 Galen and the greater Watertown community.”

“EnCap is proud of Catalyze’s delivery of the 66 Galen project and believes it is a testament to the Company’s innovative approach,” said Shawn Cumberland, energy transition managing partner at EnCap. “Through its deep market expertise and holistic view of customer needs, Catalyze has continued to build its track record of delivering a differentiated offering of decarbonization solutions.”

“It’s terrific to see a multi-technology scheme such as 66 Galen which comprises energy generation from solar PV and battery storage come into operation,” said Javier Orellana, director, energy infrastructure at Actis. “It’s a perfect demonstration of the energy transition in progress, with Catalyze providing a mix of sustainable, co-located technologies to enhance the value and attractiveness of a state-of-the-art real estate development. Working with commercial real estate owners to serve C&I customers across the US is a key part of the Catalyze strategy as corporate demand for clean power and mobility solutions continues to grow.”