BOURNE, Mass.—A cadet residence hall at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, powered substantially by  on-campus renewable energy, has been certified under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program at the Gold level by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The building becomes Massachusetts’ first LEED Gold public higher-education residence, a distinction that culminates a multi-phased renovation and addition program designed by architects Prellwitz Chilinski Associates (PCA) in conjunction with the Academy, Erland Construction and the Massachusetts State College Building Authority. A celebration of the LEED Gold achievement was held on campus October 23rd.

Located on a scenic peninsula campus at the western mouth of the Cape Cod Canal, the Cadet Housing building is a model of cutting-edge energy efficiency and sustainable building.  Key sustainable design elements include a on-site energy supplies, a high percentage of recycled content materials and modern plumbing fixtures that have reduced domestic water use by 48%. Operable windows, occupancy sensors, energy-efficient lighting, and abundant daylighting also help control inside temperatures.

Energy is produced for the building through three cutting-edge “green” power systems. A 242-foot high wind turbine captures the abundance of high winds on the canal; a rooftop photovoltaic array, installed with the aid of a Massachusetts Technology Collaborative grant, powers the site’s enhanced lighting fixtures; and natural gas-powered cogeneration turbines provide heat and hot water while converting wasted heat to additional electricity.

In addition to their obvious environmental benefits, these systems facilitate hands-on learning opportunities for students interested in engineering and facilities management while enhancing the overall residential experience through new baths, lounges, improved accessibility, and expanded laundry rooms.

According to David Bates, Senior Construction Manager with the MSCBA, “Achieving sustainable results and a significant number of new student beds – all on top of an existing and occupied dormitory – without compromising the education and residential life for the hard-working cadets at Mass Maritime was no easy task.  But with the great teamwork exhibited by all the players involved throughout all the phases of work, we were able to minimize construction-related problems and it has led to the terrific achievement that all of us can be proud of.”

Steve Allen, a Principal at PCA and the Project Manager, added, “Along with the MSCBA, the Academy’s leadership inspired us to look beyond the obvious solutions for this project. The result was a forward looking, sustainable design that will serve the Academy for decades to come.”

The award celebration will be held at October 23 at 2:00 PM at the Bay State Conference Center. It will feature speeches and a brief presentation, followed by a reception.

“This project demonstrated the power of applying innovative thinking toward a common goal,” said Ed Adelman, Executive Director at MSCBA. “The team’s shared vision of improving the student experience, and in achieving an efficient building, was translated into an innovative design and a truly cutting edge facility. This type of accomplishment deserves recognition.”