Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, South Shore Headquarters

BCBSMA challenged the project team to deliver a building that offered significant energy savings as a result of innovative design initiatives. SGH assisted with the design of the enclosure systems that include brick, precast concrete, and glazing. Our work included the following:

• Established requirements for heat flow, vapor diffusion, air leakage, and waterproofing
• Evaluated hygrothermal performance of proposed enclosure systems
• Performed moisture migration analysis of the roof and wall systems

We reviewed the proposed building enclosure design and provided detailing guidance, as necessary. The enclosure design included the following:

• High-performing walls and glazing systems to reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer by limiting air infiltration
• Deep overhangs that cast shadows on exterior windows to reduce heat gain and air-conditioning loads during summer months
• White roofing to reduce energy costs by reflecting heat

Additionally, the project team worked to ensure that materials harvested from the thirty-two acre, wooded site were reused. Blasted rock was used in retaining walls; excavated fill was reused as structural fill throughout the site; trees and other plant materials were logged for lumber, chipped and reused as mulch, or taken to a biomass fuel-generating plant; and stripped topsoil was reused in planted areas. The project was completed on schedule and under budget, demonstrating that LEED and green design can be implemented without negative cost implications.