Apr 22, 2008 3:07 pm US/Eastern
Local School, Condos Named 'Greenest' In Country
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Two local buildings are among the greenest in the country, according to a national architecture group. The American Institute of Architects chose Earth Day to name the Top Ten Green Projects. A private high school in Weston and a condominium complex in South Boston are among the award winners.
The Green Projects were chosen for their "excellence in sustainable design principles and reduced energy consumption."
The Garthwaite Center for Science and Arts at the Cambridge School of Weston made the cut. The building is full of recycled material - from the glass tiles in the bathrooms to the countertops. The bathrooms have low-flow faucets and water-saving toilets. The classrooms face south, to maximize natural light exposure and limit the need for artificial light, with some classes even held on the grass in front of outdoor blackboards.
According to the school, the Garthwaite Center's green roof harvests storm water which is used to water plants - which are in turn grown to replace the vegetation lost in the building's footprint.
The AIA called the building "a compelling model for educational institutions."
"There is a lot of education here; this is a true teaching tool. The students participated in the design of the building. They treat all their wastewater," said Rebecca Henn, one of the judges.
Also among the Top Ten Green Projects is the 140-unit
Macallen Building Condominiums in South Boston. This building is also full of recycled material - from its cotton insulation to its bamboo flooring and recycled natural fiber carpeting. The Macallen condos boast fresh air ducts, and each unit has abundant natural light, reducing the need for artificial light. The Macallen Building also has recycling rooms on every floor.
The green design aims to save 600,000 gallons of water each year compared to a conventional building, and use 30 percent less electricity.
"This project was built on an environmentally challenged site that was previously unused space. So not only does in enhance the environment, but it provides valuable inner city housing and shows a certain amount of urban savvy," said judge Marvin Malecha.
Read more about Garthwaite Center award
Read more about Macallen Condos award
You can see a full list of the Green Projects on the
AIA web site.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
