September was an exciting time for Elaine Construction Company. For the first time in its 60-year history, Elaine moved from its Needham St. location into new corporate headquarters. Strong continued growth has necessitated the relocation to new 7,000 s/f offices in a historic mill building complex known as Echo Bridge.
Elaine's new space more than doubles its space and adds many amenities for Elaine employees. More importantly, this move has allowed Elaine to institute operational and physical changes consistent with its plan for controlled growth and philosophical commitment to the environment.
The new space conforms to LEED principles for commercial interiors. Elaine is pursuing LEED certification and also implementing new ways of working that encompass good sustainable environmental practices.
"We were building 'green' and using environmentally sound practices long before LEED," said Ken Wexler, chairman of Elaine Construction. "In our own space, following LEED guidelines helped us to make the right choices for the health and comfort of our employees."
The space has a number of unique features, including operable windows that allow for plenty of natural daylight. Even the interior spaces have outdoor views via large panes of interior glass. Elaine has taken steps in the buildout to upgrade mechanical and electrical systems that increase energy efficiency, air quality, and provide controllability for the occupants. Materials were selected for increased renewability and decreased toxicity.
"It's a small space, but over time, if everyone practiced these principles, the small spaces really add up to a big impact," said Don Wexler, Ken's brother and project manager for the new Elaine space.
What's more, Elaine has taken steps to make routine operations and maintenance more environmentally friendly. They have instituted new policies on recycling, paper usage and electronic storage.
"Every little bit counts toward better environmental efficiency," said Lisa Wexler, president of Elaine and the third generation involved with the business. "There are better options for electronic communication, as well as equipment that uses less energy, toner, and can produce double-sided documents. We can print everything to a copier with better energy efficiency that uses half the paper."
The Elaine team recently completed 2 LEED certified projects and 2 staff members, Brian Russo, senior estimator, and Bob Baker, senior project manager, have become LEED accredited professionals, with more employees studying to take the exam.