Cape Cod LEED Learning & Networking

By Andrea Baerenwald, Cape Associates, Inc.

The USGBC Cape & Islands Interest Group recently hosted an evening of LEED-learning and networking, focusing on both residential and commercial buildings. First 25+ attendees toured the new Cape Associates offices at 325 Massasoit Road in Eastham. The recently completed mixed use office building includes two apartments on the second level, and is targeting LEED-NC certification. Information was provided by Cape Associates (the builder), Brown Lindquist Fenuccio & Raber Architects, Inc. (the architect) and ZeroEnergy Design (the mechanical designer, energy & LEED consultant). 

Additionally, a virtual tour of a Brewster residential project targeting LEED for Homes certification was also available. The new home had been the subject of a previous USGBC MA Cape & Islands tour while under construction, and was now complete and finalizing certification. Chris Harris from Jill Neubauer Architects presented photos on a large screen, shared material samples, and reviewed a LEED checklist to describe the measures implemented. 

Outside the office building attendees noted the preferred parking for car pooling and low emitting vehicles, as well as the air source heat pumps, and large solar electric system. A crowd gathered in the basement as ZeroEnergy Design’s Adam Prince explained the building’s heating, cooling, ventilation, and domestic hot water systems. Infographics were on display around the building describing the LEED credit process as well as many of the design and material specifics that went into the construction of the new office building. 

A variety of people attended the free event, including realtors, architects, engineers, and green professionals. Thank you to Jill Neubauer Associates and Cape Associates for sponsoring this event.