News: Construction Design & Engineering

Chapman Construction completes phase one towards carbon neutral by 2030

Newton, MA In September of 2022, Chapman Construction/Design, a construction management company specializing in high-performance building, made a bold commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030. Chapman’s goal is to decarbonize without offsets, meaning they will generate enough renewable energy to satisfy 100% of their annual electricity demand with an onsite roof-mounted solar PV array.

Chapman recently completed the next phase of their decarbonization plan, evaluating the enclosure of their 18,000 s/f building. They measured the building’s air leakage rate by depressurizing it with their Minneapolis blower door equipment. Blower door test equipment measures airtightness in buildings by simulating pressure differences using a fan, door panel, and sensors. They used an infrared camera to identify areas of air infiltration, thermal bridges, and several locations with missing or insufficient insulation.

In addition to gathering the raw test data and identifying leaks, Chapman collaborated with Building Evolution Corp. and developed practical and durable solutions to reduce air leakage. For example, stripping the interior finishes of their large uninsulated conference room, installing continuous air and vapor impermeable insulation to the interior side of the CMU block, then reinstalling interior finishes.

“By creating an airtight and well-insulated building enclosure, we reduce the energy needed to heat and cool our building,” said John Hyde, senior sustainability manager at Chapman. “We can then reduce the amount of solar power needed to offset our energy demand and achieve carbon neutrality.”

In the next several months, Chapman will implement solutions to improve their enclosure by sealing gaps, eliminating thermal bridges, and improving insulation. Careful consideration must be given to material selection, sequence of installation, and cost-benefit analysis of each improvement. Once the upgrades are complete, they will repeat the air leakage test. If the results are sufficient, they will use them to inform the engineering phase, which includes replacing their fossil-fuel-fired packaged rooftop units with electric heat pumps and ERVs and expanding their solar PV array.

“Decarbonizing existing buildings presents us with unique challenges and takes time, so it’s important to act now,” said Hyde. “Commit to decarbonizing your building, develop a plan, make it public, and begin your journey to zero greenhouse gas emissions. Let’s work together to mitigate climate change and preserve the planet.”

MORE FROM Construction Design & Engineering

Nobis Group awards Robinson and Moreira STEM scholarships

Concord, NH Nobis Group, a 100% employee-owned consulting firm specializing in engineering and environmental solutions across the Northeast, has named the recipients of its 2025 STEM Scholarship: Andie Moreira of
READ ON THE GO
DIGITAL EDITIONS
Subscribe
Columns and Thought Leadership
Ask the Electrician: Is summer a prime time for commercial electrical maintenance?

Ask the Electrician: Is summer a prime time for commercial electrical maintenance?

The answer is “Yes!” While January marks the official new year, many businesses view September as a fresh start. This makes summer an ideal time for commercial property owners to schedule long-term electrical maintenance projects.
The design-build advantage: Integrated interior design solutions - by Parker Snyder

The design-build advantage: Integrated interior design solutions - by Parker Snyder

When it comes to corporate interior spaces for both commercial and industrial projects, partnering with a design-build firm with in-house interior design services can offer clients many benefits. Unlike traditional delivery methods where interior designers operate independently from the design and construction teams, often creating a longer project timeline as cost negotiations and revisions ensue
The rise of incubators and co-working spaces: The latest in life sciences - by Matt Combs

The rise of incubators and co-working spaces: The latest in life sciences - by Matt Combs

In recent years, the life science industry has witnessed a shift in how companies operate and innovate. One of the key driving forces behind this transformation is the emergence of incubators and co-working spaces specifically tailored to meet the unique budget and schedule needs of startups.
Careers in Construction Month focus on training and safety - by Joe Camilo

Careers in Construction Month focus on training and safety - by Joe Camilo

October is Careers in Construction Month, and rarely has it been more consequential. According to our chapter’s national parent organization, the construction industry needs to attract half-a-million new workers in the coming year to meet demand. Addressing that need is a huge job, but we at ABC MA are trying to do our part.