South High and sports fields seen from above

Our Work > Case Story

Sustainable Design

Since LPA|A’s inception, innovative sustainable design has been a cornerstone of our projects. Seeking input from the owners and users of the building, and drawing on the expertise of our three LEED accredited staff members as well as our sustainable design consultants, we arrive at the best, most cost effective ways to conserve resources, incorporate renewable energy, and minimize waste. Each project has different goals, objectives, and budgets, so the sustainable design strategies that are implemented are unique to each project.

Key Contacts

Peter A. Caruso, Jr.

Principal

AIA, LEED AP, NCARB

Christopher M. Lee

Design Director

LEED AP, CSL

Christina S. Bazelmans

Programming and Sustainability Director

AIA, LEED AP BD+C

“The school’s sustainably built structure features proven green techniques and products, each of which has been researched, discussed and shared by several students on our Student Voice’s Green Squad, consisting of students who are interested in learning about and raising awareness of ecological issues. This transition provided students and educators with an opportunity to research, report and advocate on LED lighting, Marmoleum flooring, the use of night-sky lighting and the solar energy collection system.”

– Jane O. Lizotte, Principal, Sherwood Middle School, Shrewsbury

Achieving LEED

Two recent projects received LEED certification in 2023: South High Community School in Worcester achieved LEED Gold and Beal Elementary School in Shrewsbury achieved LEED Silver. South High borders a reservoir and was cited for its sensitive land protection and reduced parking footprint. Beal Elementary is solar ready and built with a highly efficient building envelope and HVAC system with a lot of natural light, high efficiency lighting and a natural landscape. The landscape was designed to protect and restore the natural habitat, with drought tolerant grass and over 6,000 trees, shrubs and plants added to the site, along with major storm water recovery infrastructure.

elementary school students learning in a common area of the school. in the background kids can be seen playing on a playground through the window

Aiming for Carbon Negative

When Doherty Memorial High School opens in 2024, it will be the most sustainable municipal building in Worcester. The building is projected to be not just carbon neutral, but carbon negative — meaning energy transmission losses are offset by the energy produced on site — achieved through a number of strategies. Roof top solar photovoltaics combined with an HVAC system that is primarily electric, as well as a highly efficient, energy-saving, building envelope design will make this 420,000 square foot school a model for efficiency in the city.

rendering of the science wing of Doherty Memorial High, now under construction

Hitting the Target in the City of Worcester

The City of Worcester made a commitment to environmental sustainability, mandating net zero energy, or as close as could be accomplished within the budget, for their new Nelson Place Elementary School. At the start of the project, LPA|A and a team of school and city administrators, engineers, architects and others met to identify energy efficiency goals and discuss cost and other implications to the project. Multiple sustainable features were identified and implemented, and the building has been designated a Zero Net Energy Building by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources.

In Service to Our Community

Project Architect Christina Bazelmans, LEED AP BD+C has been volunteering for the Central Massachusetts Chapter of the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) for several years, helping to coordinate and promote a number of learning opportunities for colleagues throughout the state. A tour of the Nelson Place Elementary School helped illustrate some strategies and processes that worked in the City of Worcester. Christina is one of four LEED Accredited Professionals on staff, working to ensure better buildings and practices for the future of our communities.