Bulfinch Cos.' Forrester building earns LEED Gold Certification

The Bulfinch Companies, Inc. said that the Forrester building in Cambridge Discovery Park, an 820,000 s/f master planned lab and office campus, has been awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Completed in 2011, the first class 200,000 s/f building owned and managed by an affiliate of Bulfinch is home to Forrester Research, Inc.'s world headquarters. This premier building achieved LEED Gold certification for its core and shell, which covers base building elements such as structure, envelope and the HVAC system. Some of the building's sustainable features include: · Highly efficient heating and cooling systems · Superior indoor air quality systems · Low-VOC adhesives, sealants, paints and coatings · More than 96% of construction waste was recycled · Water efficient landscaping "We are pleased to have earned this prestigious distinction for Forrester Research at Cambridge Discovery Park," said Eric Schlager, CEO of Bulfinch, a private real estate investment, development, and management firm. "This milestone reflects our passion and commitment to developing innovative energy conservation solutions and sustainable initiatives throughout our portfolio." A member of the USGBC, Bulfinch strives to be a leader in sustainable development for all of its properties with a LEED Gold certification for Trapelo Corporate Center in Waltham, as well as recent ENERGY STAR certifications on four of its properties from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In 2011, Cambridge Discovery Park was also awarded the GoGreen Award from the City of Cambridge for outstanding storm water design and efficiency. The GoGreen Awards recognize the environmental sustainability initiatives of businesses and organizations in Cambridge. Located on Rte.2, Cambridge Discovery Park offers state-of-the-art facilities in a natural campus environment. Adjacent to the MBTA Alewife Station with access to both downtown Boston and Rte. 128, the Park is situated in a location surrounded by numerous existing and future amenities, including multiple cafes, a health club, yoga studio, day care, biking/running paths, Zip Car access, the Hubway Bike Program, and banking services. The park also is a five-minute walk to Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Starbucks, as well as other retail and hotel amenities.