S. Boston Emerges as Bastion of Environmentally Friendly Construction

By Joshua Schubert

SOUTH BOSTON – The massive Seaport Square project, which is to include residential and hotel buildings, in addition to retail and office space, is planned to cover 6.5 million square feet on 23 acres along the waterfront.

Less than two years after the opening of the first nationally certified “green” buildings in South Boston, local developers are planning several more buildings that would conserve energy, lower carbon emissions, and use recycled materials.

“Seaport Square is designed to be a LEED-certified neighborhood,” said Janet Logan, Gale International’s marketing director.

The first phase of Seaport Square three buildings, said Vivien Li of the Boston Harbor Association, who expects construction to begin in 2010.

The developers plan for the projected to be completed before 2017.

For a building to be designated as green, the US Green Building Council’s LEED certification system reviews water efficiency, building materials, roof design, and additional energy-related factors.

Buildings are scored based on a 69-pointsystem, with 26 points the minimum to achieve certification. Buildings that score between 39 and 51 points receive a gold certification.

LEED certification is required in Boston for new building projects of at least 50000 square feet, but the developers of Seaport Square aim to achieve a silver certification for their buildings.


In May, the Boston Children’s Museum, following large-scale renovations, became the second building in South Boston to achieve gold certification.

Developers added a 6400 square-foot roof composed of organic materials, as well as larger windows to add natural light.

During renovation, more than 76 percent of debris was “recycled or salvaged,” according to the museum’s website.

In 2007, the luxury condominium complex in South Boston known as the Macallen Building was the first development project of its kind to receive the LEED gold certification in the area in 2007.

The building “set the standard for green construction in Boston,” said Timothy Brown,
City Councilor Bill Linehan’s community liaison.

It was constructed using recycled materials, including natural fiber carpet, bamboo and cork. Total energy use within the building is approximately 30 percent less than the average residential complex.

The children’s museum did not respond to a request for comment prior to deadline, nor did Pappas Enterprises Inc., which manages the Macallen Building.