Massachusetts Green High Performance Green Computing Center (MGHPCC) Receive LEED Platinum Cerfitication

On October 29th, representatives from the USGBC MA Chapter traveled to Holyoke, MA to attend the LEED Platinum plaque ceremony at the Massachusetts Green High Performance Green Computing Center (MGHPCC). Norm Lamonde, USGBC MA Chapter Board Member, and Turner Construction Sustainability Manager, spoke on behalf of the Chapter and presented MGHPCC Executive Director, John Goodhue with the LEED Platinum Plaque. 

Left to right: Mike Malone, Vice Chancellor for Research & Engagement, UMASS Amherst;
Mike Kearns, Director of Projects, MIT; John Goodhue, Executive Director, MGHPCC;
Alex Morse, Mayor, City of Holyoke; Norm Lamonde, Board Member, USGBC MA Chapter

MGHPCC is the first university research data center to achieve LEED Platinum certification. Beyond its building design achievements, the MGHPCC is a unique collaboration between five universities and the public and private sector. It's location is also unique as Holyoke not only offers low cost, renewable hydroelectric power, it also sits within the national fiber optic network connecting the Northeast to the world with optimal connectivity. Read more about MGHPCC and Holyoke here. For more on MGHPCC's LEED Platinum achievements, visit their blog. 

The day also included a tour of the facility and Hadley Falls Hydroelectric Dam. A large group from the USGBC MA Chapter West Branch attended as well as a number of folks from the the project team. Including representatives from Harvard Green Building Services, M + W Group, Turner Construction, and Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. 

MGHPCC is a terrific example of collaboration and revitalization. Congratulations to everyone involved. Here's to more LEED Platinum projects, and leading the front edge of the green building movement.