According to Syska Hennessy Group, a leading consulting, engineering and commissioning firm, its Cambridge office recently achieved LEED Silver certification, established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED is the nation's preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
Applying their high performance design approach to their new Cambridge location at 2067 Mass. Ave. was important to Syska Hennessy Group, and demonstrates their efforts in "walking the walk." William Caretsky, PE and managing director of the Cambridge office, said, "Sustainability is a core value in our firm's culture. It's not only important to us to express this in our engineering practice and client support, but also within our own work places."
The 9,500 s/f office, located within the historic Henderson Carriage Building, is comprised of existing brick and beam, open floor spaces, high ceilings and large exterior windows. These elements were adaptively re-used and demonstrated an affinity for sustainable design concepts that the Syska Hennessy team was looking for. For example, the large operable windows provide many benefits including natural lighting, thermal comforts, as well as air ventilation that not only improve staff well-being but also reduce energy use considerably. The original wood beams and the brick walls were also left throughout the space to preserve the historic structure and reduce materials used.
Other environmentally friendly strategies implemented include: high efficiency lighting fixtures, occupancy sensors, high efficiency heat pumps, low flow faucets, and the use of Energy Star appliances. Along with these solutions, the firm has also purchased a contract to use renewable energy sources, including wind and solar energy, to help reduce the office's carbon footprint.
"Buildings are a prime example of how human systems integrate with natural systems," said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of the USGBC Green Building Council. "Syska Hennessy Group's Cambridge office efficiently uses our natural resources and makes an immediate, positive impact on our planet, which will tremendously benefit future generations to come."