Sherman Center video series: Designing efficiencies
By Bryan Goodchild and Michael Cohen
UMass Medical School Communications |
Feb. 15, 2012 |
From the beginning of the design process for the Albert Sherman Center, energy efficiency and sustainable building practices have been at the forefront.
“This building will be about 25 percent more efficient than the code requirement,” said Mark Dolny, a senior associate at ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge, architects of the building. “We’ve tried to do everything we can, in terms of efficiencies, to meet the University’s goals.”
Using guidelines promulgated by the U.S. Green Building Council, nearly every aspect of the design and construction process is evaluated. For example, recycled steel from a regional vendor was used for the structure; wood treatments for the interior are sourced from sustainable forests; rainwater (and internal condensate water) will be captured for use at the power plant. Even the basic orientation of the building was precisely established to make the best use of available sunlight.
“In accordance with the governor’s direction, we are trying to lead by example in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability,” said Shawn McGuinness, senior architect and project manager.
In this video, McGuiness and Dolny discuss some of the energy efficient elements of the building.
Related links:
See a virtual 3-D tour inside the Sherman Center
Sherman Center video series: Virtual reality check
Sherman Center video series: Evolutionary design
Sherman Center video series: An early look at the Sherman Center lab spaces
Sherman Center website