The University of Massachusetts College of Natural Sciences (CNS) Greenhouse
and Laboratory was awarded LEED Gold Certification in January 2013, after
successfully achieving their sustainability goals while still meeting the needs
of a high-tech research facility.
The greenhouses contain multiple research compartments, each
capable of supporting separate experimental environments. The houses feature
automated systems to control natural and artificial lighting, temperature,
humidity, irrigation, and fertilization. The laboratory, designed to reflect
the look and feel of a New England barn, features two research labs and a core
facility for seed germination.
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| Photo by Warren Jagger |
Stormwater management was one of the greatest challenges facing
the project team in achieving LEED certification, but they came up with a creative solution. The greenhouse required a 6-in
deep gravel bed to isolate the greenhouse from surrounding native plant life.
This gravel bed was increased to a depth of 3 feet to act simultaneously as a barrier
and water retention basin, eliminating the need for gutters or an underground water
storage structure.
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| Photo by Warren Jagger |
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