Chapman Construction completes 6,000 s/f Monadnock Conservancy headquarters

Keene, NH Chapman Construction has completed construction of a new 6,000 s/f headquarters building for the Monadnock Conservancy. As an innovative net zero energy facility, it relies on the use of renewable energy to generate power and reduce its impact on the environment.

For the new Monadnock facility, Chapman applied the Contractor’s Commitment to Sustainable Building Practices framework to deliver optimal outcomes for everyone involved with the project, from the workers who built it to the staff and visitors that will use the space daily. The pre-construction phase included a comprehensive value-engineering exercise that ensured the Conservancy could achieve its desired level of energy performance while adhering to the non-profit’s budgetary requirements.

The completed building incorporates numerous novel solutions for limiting energy usage and carbon emissions. Chapman identified several subcontractors and partners throughout the pre-construction phase to provide cutting-edge sustainable materials, including Pozzotive, a ground glass pozzolan and industrial filler made from recycled post-consumer glass; Glavel foam glass gravel for use as subslab insulation; and a unique partnership with Milwaukee Tools to use and demonstrate the impact on carbon reduction that is achieved when using high-performance, battery-powered tools. Chapman also implemented rigorous reporting tools to calculate A1-A5 upfront carbon emissions for the project, including tracking its own A5 construction emissions.

“When we began this project, we recognized it was a significant undertaking for our organization, but we are thrilled with the new headquarters space and the building’s outstanding energy performance,” said Amanda Littleton, executive director, the Monadnock Conservancy. “Chapman Construction’s team was as committed as our own to making this project a source of pride for our staff and community, showcasing the power of teamwork when it comes to reducing our impact on the environment.”

In addition, Chapman oversaw construction of a drainage swale on site for stormwater management, along with performing a blower door air leakage test that revealed the new building achieves 0.34ACH50, which is below Passive House requirement of 0.60ACH50. The team also worked closely with utility company Eversource to ensure the conservancy’s power is supplied by only renewable resources. The project’s designer is SP | Architects.

“The Monadnock Conservancy represents some of the best of what’s possible when sustainability, people, and nature are thoughtfully considered throughout the design and construction process. The building is fully electric and net-positive energy, and incorporates healthy, bio-based, reclaimed, and low-embodied-carbon materials, all with the goal of creating a high-performance, healthy building with a much lighter impact on the planet,” said John Hyde, director of sustainability, Chapman Construction/Design. “It’s a significant achievement for everyone who contributed to the project, and we’re grateful to have been a part of it.”