A Building With Energy
Boston Scientific's Marlborough facility underwent a green 'extreme makeover'
By Tayrn Plumb
Special to the Worcester Business Journal
If you drove by it, you'd likely dismiss it as just another office complex, a place where workers trudge in at 9 and zip out at 5.
But inside, the 500,000-square-foot Boston Scientific endosurgery division headquarters in Marlborough is a model of efficiency.
Intelligent heating and cooling systems use sensors to tell when and where hot or cool air should be piped in. Sound dampening technology reduces noise pollution. Laboratory fume hoods are equipped to draw just enough air to be both safe and resourceful.
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"We provided a workplace that, frankly, energizes people more," said Leonard Sarapas, corporate director for the environment, health and safety at Boston Scientific. Also, "we have a role as a corporate citizen."
Boston Scientific spent $44 million to perform a green rehab - or what officials call "an extreme makeover" - of the 100-acre Marlborough site, at which multiple endosurgery businesses research and develop "less invasive" medical devices. As a result of those efforts, the building recently received a first-tier certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.
During the demolition and rebuild, the goal was to transform the location into a thriving, thrumming energy efficient entity.
That started with the smart air regulation system, which is controlled by multiple thermostats and temperature sensors throughout the campus. Those allow the system to determine where and when - and how much and what kind of - air is needed. It "truly allows you to deliver just what you need," said Sarapas.
Project Architect Kevin Golemme said it's not as complicated as it sounds. "It's pretty straightforward, pretty basic," said the senior associate at Brockton-based BKA Architects Inc., "but very energy efficient."
Similarly, a white reflective roof that deflects heat and reduces the need for air conditioning was installed.
As a result of both initiatives, Sarapas estimated that the facility saves $1 million a year in electricity costs.
Another key component during the demolition and rebuild: Recycling.
According to Sarapas, 95 percent of materials - or 8,400 tons - was recycled. Some was reused directly in the building while other pieces were recycled through vendors. Golemme explained that doors, toilets, ceiling tiles and partitions were sent to be reused by various entities, some as far away as Central America.
When items couldn't be directly reused from the original building, recycled materials were purchased and used. That included 400,000 square feet of carpet, reams of adhesive and gallons of paint, all containing recycled components. Similarly, the building is fully equipped with Greenguard furniture that doesn't emit toxic gasses known as volatile organic compounds.
All that, in turn, saved time on the project because the interiors didn't have to be aired out. "We didn't leave any residuals behind," noted Sarapas.
Other unique initiatives: Windows were installed in each cubicle, even those at the interior. That allows for light to pass through the office, Sarapas said. Light fixtures that use a wavelength mimicking natural light also illuminate the interior.
The company similarly cut down on water usage by installing low-flow or no-flow devices. That has resulted in 57 percent less water usage, Sarapas explained.
Given this myriad of initiatives, Golemme called the endeavor an exercise in creativity. "That was everybody's goal, and we finally got there," he said.
Overall, he lauded the company's green stance. "They're making every effort to be conscious of the environment and use these standards to move forward as a corporate practice," he said.
In the end, it's been a "triple-win," for the company, added Sarapas: Boston Scientific is reducing its impact on the environment, cutting down on operating costs and also creating a healthier and more positive environment for employees.
Workers - who are encouraged to recycle on the job and also carry on green practices at home - are engaged, Sarapas said, and there's an overall higher level of ownership and morale. "People like doing good things," he noted.
As far as home- or business-based green initiatives go, he encouraged people to be realistic, and work with what they have. "You really have to tailor your projects to where your opportunities lie," he said.
Taryn is a freelance writer based in Worcester.
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