Green Design/LEED
Thermal Ice storage
Hobbs Brook Management employs thermal ice storage in certain buildings to take advantage of off-peak energy consumption. The main benefit of the turbo ice machine system, which is the primary component of the application, is that it allows for the production and storage of ice 24 hours a day, reducing the electrical demand during standard business hours. At 404 Wyman Street, a typical day would require 1,400 tons of ice to be produced in order to cool the building. Because of the turbo ice machine, the system only needs to make 850 tons of ice, drawing off of stored ice if necessary to make up the difference. Drawing a lower electrical demand during the day means that the air conditioning equipment uses approximately 40% less capacity than a conventional system. The up-front costs were also lower because of the reduction in equipment costs. Utilizing this system saved the tenants of Hobbs Brook Management a total of $250,000 in peak energy costs in 2007. In addition, because Hobbs Brook Management can plan their energy consumption ahead of time, they are able to get premium pricing from their vendors.
175-185 Wyman Street LEED Gold
The entire new 175-185 Wyman Street complex was designed to meet green building standards. With a goal of LEED Gold, the project team took significant measures to adhere to LEED requirements. We are pleased to report that this project achieved LEED Gold and took home all 5 points in innovation and design credits.
The existing 330,000 square foot building was demolished and 90% of the steel, concrete and masonry was recycled. The two new buildings utilize an existing underground water storage tank to capture stormwater runoff for irrigation purposes.
In addition, the project includes implementation of a green housekeeping program and the construction of roofs with a high reflection rating reduce the heat island effect.
Green practices extend to include preferred parking for hybrid vehicles and car poolers, as well as making shower facilities available to encourage the use of bicycles as transportation.
Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
The pool at the Four Points by Sheraton Norwood is cleaned by an ultraviolet purification method that kills bacteria and viruses that often cause stomach, skin and respiratory irritations. The non-hazardous UV system reduces the amount of chemicals typically needed by approximately 50% and is the same technology used to disinfect drinking water.
The entire volume of the pool is circulated through an ultraviolet light chamber, where the water is purified by ultraviolet rays, initiating a photo-chemical and photo-oxidation reaction that not only kills harmful germs, but also eliminates common pool odors, resulting in a more pleasant swimming experience.
Similarly, the linens at the hotel are cleaned using an ozone laundry system, supporting an innovative, safe and creative green cleaning practice. Ozone, an unstable molecule that naturally purifies the atmosphere, is produced when a high-energy source splits a normal oxygen molecule (02) into three parts (03), creating ozone. The additional unstable oxygen molecule has the ability to attack any organic compound it comes in contact with, the result of which is a sanitized and neutralized environment.
For the hotel’s laundry service, benefits include a reduction in washing and drying times which are due to a chemical reaction that takes place when ozone is introduced. Ozone has the ability to:
- react with cold instead of hot water during wash cycles, reducing the need to heat the water
- cut down on moisture in the dryers which decreases drying times
- make the linens softer and fluffier by getting into the fibers and opening them up, and
- eradicate odors by eliminating the need for chlorine bleach
