Nation's First Multi-Unit LEED-Certified Building: The Contemporary 53 Standish Street (Cambridge, MA)

The news of new, green buildings just doesn't stop. Today's green project, aka 53 Standish Street, is the first LEED-H Certified (for homes) project in Massachusetts and the first multi-unit building (up to 4 units) in the country that meets USGBC standards for sustainable design and construction. In addition, it was Energy Star Certified due to receiving a 93.3 Home Energy Rating Score (100 point scale) for incorporating energy saving products and technologies. It was designed by Tony Butler of AB Architects and the general contractor was Aedi Construction LLC. 53 Standish Street is in close proximity to public transportation and shops, and I think some neat learning points can be found in how the place was constructed and what was used. It's not unlikely that developers and architects around the country could look at this project (and many others mentioned in this blog) and start to apply the concepts on a going forward basis. Once I get a RE Fund together, you better believe I will.

Green Features:
The building has 3, two-bedroom units. Units have the following: low-e argon windows; high efficiency lighting fixtures; compact fluorescent bulbs; high density, recycled cellulose insulation; energy efficient, instantaneous water heaters; programmable thermostats; high efficiency gas furnaces + AC with mechanical ventilation; low VOC paint; recycled fiber carpet; bamboo flooring + 90% Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wood content moldings in the entire building. The building was wired for future solar panel use and the necessary approvals were obtained. Via PRNewswire.