What Are We Doing?
The Museum’s sustainable design puts us in a unique position to develop and implement new interpretive programs that maximize the use of our green building as an example to inspire visitors, the city, and the museum industry to become actively involved in protecting the world in which we live.

Components

Green Roof
The Museum’s new building addition will be covered in an extensive green roof of plantings and organic material. Working with the museum’s staff, “Green Team” interns, as well as guest scientists, more than 25,000 children and parents, will participate this summer in preparing and installing the plants that will form the visible green roof over the Museum’s entrance. This highly visible roof is one of three, tiered green roofs. In addition to enhancing the aesthetics of the addition, the green roof reduces height islands, increases insulation, controls and collects stormwater and contributes to reductions in air pollution. Covering over 6,400 square feet of surface, the green roof will be a highly visible demonstration of the Museum’s green agenda.

Stormwater Reclamation System
To limit polluted stormwater runoff into Boston Harbor, the Museum will collect and treat all stormwater that falls on the site. Collected stormwater is then recycled into the building and site for toilets and landscape irrigation - reducing overall potable water consumption. The Museum is the first institution along Fort Point Channel to implement such an extensive system as part of its development.

Real Time Heating and Cooling Controls
To eliminate energy waste, the Museum has incorporated a carbon dioxide (CO2) measuring tool into the heating and cooling management system, which will run the 36 new high efficiency heat pumps. The CO2 monitor controls heating and cooling for each gallery, adjusting to meet the real time needs and realities of occupancy, thereby ensuring that only the exact amount of cooling or heating needed is used in each climate controlled zone.

Efficient Lighting
Improving efficiency in lighting was a critical goal for the new addition and renovated existing building. The Museum has replaced its various existing ambient light fixtures with highly efficient fixtures that will reduce energy consumption, produce operational cost savings, and simplify the fixture make-up of the facility.

Plumbing Fixtures
The Museum has invested in high efficiency bathroom fixtures such as dual flush toilets and waterless urinals, to replace existing models and reduce water consumption in both the new addition and renovated existing building.

Recycling Program
In order to reduce waste and provide an educational opportunity for visitors and staff, the Museum will recycle aluminum, corrugated cardboard, glass, paper, and plastic. Divided receptacles accompanied by informative signage will be available throughout the building.

Materials
Throughout the project design process, the Museum selected materials that represent its commitment to the environment. From structural supports to flooring and railings, the Museum incorporated up to 25% of recycled materials and up to 20% of locally manufactured or harvested materials. In addition, applicable materials used in the project are certified low-emitting materials to ensure the Museum maintains a high level of air quality for its visitors.