Spring 2007, Volume 10 Newsletter:
Allston Sustainability Update
We are all surely riveted as we watch to see how Harvard will embrace its once in a lifetime opportunity to provide the world with a new campus in Allston that effectively addresses the demands of sustainability. What follows is a listing of some of the many careful steps that have been orchestrated to set the stage for success. It will not be easy but it will happen.
2004: Harvard University Campus-Wide Sustainability Principles set the tone for sustainability in Allston.
2004-2005: Alumni respond to opportunity to provide comment on Allston development plans. Sustainability is the most common concern expressed.
2006: Chris Gordon, chief operating officer for the Allston Development Group, expresses his personal commitment to sustainability. “The goal is to make Allston a highly sustainable campus.”
2006: 600 staff, students, alumni and faculty attend Harvard’s Vision 2020 Campus Sustainability Conference. Substantial interest and support is expressed for sustainability in Allston.
2005-2006: Sustainability design capacity and commitment is scrutinized during selection of all consultants for Allston.
2006: Behnisch Architects are hired to design Harvard’s first science complex in Allston. Behnisch is internationally recognized for their sustainable design work.
2006: Camp Dresser & McKee Inc. (CDM) hired to design utilities for the new campus. CDM is working to explore a range of renewable energy and on-site water treatment alternatives for meeting campus energy and water needs.
2006: Boston Redevelopment Authority encourages Harvard in relation to its comprehensive approach to integrating sustainability in Allston.
2006: HGCI hired to act as the University’s representative on sustainability in building design. The HGCI is providing comprehensive LEED project management for the first science complex and the Harvard University Art Museum. LEED Gold is the goal for both projects.
2007: HGCI hired to act as the University’s representative on sustainability in utility design. The HGCI is providing ongoing utilities sustainability review and research (renewable energy, on site water treatment etc). Current goals include clean and renewable energy for 22.5% of campus energy, comprehensive on-site storm water treatment and a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for every unit of non-renewable heat, cooling and power produced or procured as compared to a 2006 Harvard baseline.
2005-7: Comprehensive Allston sustainability guidelines developed and finalized. Staff, faculty and students engaged in 2 annual review workshops during the development process. University Operations Services and HGCI provide extensive input and review. Allston Development Group requests all consultants to meet the requirements of the Allston Sustainability Guidelines. The Guidelines will be review and updated every 3-5 years with input from the Harvard community.
2007: Boston Mayor Menino commits the city of Boston to achieving an 80% greenhouse gas reduction by 2050. Harvard’s Allston Sustainability Guidelines already reflect a similar goal.
Aerial Image: Proposed Allston Redevelopment Map