Thinking Green
ISO New England is dedicated to maintaining practical and ecological facilities-management, waste-management, and purchasing programs to ensure it continually makes wise use of resources.
A Gold-Certified Campus
Our two-building campus was the first commercial corporate headquarters in New England to be awarded gold certification for new construction from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™. This gold-certification was based on an evaluation of key elements of human and environmental health when we remodeled our existing facility and constructed an adjoining building in 2006 and 2007.
Responsible Construction
Some highlights from efforts during the 2006–2007 project:
- 96% of the waste materials from existing wall, floor, and roof elements were recycled, diverting 6,894 tons of construction waste from landfills
- 16% of the building materials used—including 90% of the steel structure, aluminum parts, gypsum wallboard, irrigation pipe, sheet rock, ceiling tiles, carpet, glass, and pine bark mulch—were manufactured from recycled content
- 40% of materials were manufactured within 500 miles of the project site
- Roofs were covered with an Energy-star-rated material that reduces the heat island effect
Energy and Water Efficiency
The best available practices were used for our energy and water systems. For example:
- Our buildings are 35.6% more energy efficient than the minimum standard at construction. Features include improved insulation, high-efficiency heating and cooling, high-performance windows, and occupant-sensor lighting controls.
- Low-flow lavatories, kitchen sinks, and showers consume 26% less potable water than standard systems.
- Renewable energy credits were purchased totaling more than 2 million kilowatt hours, or two years worth of the buildings’ electricity consumption, to help avoid the production of carbon dioxide emissions by power plants.
Indoor Air Quality
High construction standards and ongoing efforts preserve healthy air quality in our buildings:
- Smoking is prohibited inside. Designated smoking areas are located away from building openings and air intakes.
- A green housekeeping program is in place, including cleaning materials and training.
- Carbon dioxide levels are monitored, and indoor-chemical and pollutant-source control measures are in place.
- HVAC and refrigeration systems contain no chlorofluorocarbon-based refrigerants.
- All indoor composite wood materials contain no urea-formaldehyde.
- During construction, air-handling equipment was sealed and not operated. A two-week air-quality flush out was conducted prior to occupancy.
- Low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints, sealants, adhesives, and carpet systems were used.
Ongoing Recycling
Designated collections spots are located throughout the campus for collecting recyclable materials, including cardboard, paper, plastic, glass, and metals.
Greener Grounds
- The landscaping includes native and drought-tolerant plants.
- The irrigation system consumes 89% less potable water than standard systems.
- Erosion and sedimentation are controlled per the applicable U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard, and stormwater runoff is managed via EPA's best practices for removing total suspended solids and total particulates.
Encouraging Green Commuting
- Bicycle storage is available for 5% of employees, with amenities available for showering and changing.
- Preferred carpool parking spaces are available for 5% of employees.
- The parking area includes charging stations for electric vehicles.
