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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 four 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.

AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

Associate Principal

Christopher M. Lee

CSL, LEED AP

Associate Principal

Christina S. Bazelmans

AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Associate Principal

Kathryn Crockett

AIA, LEED AP

President

“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

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.