The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) will present its annual Green Buildings Open House on Saturday, October 3, from 10:00 am 4:00 pm. Boston Green Building, a member of NESEA, invites the public to a free tour of a residence of one of its clients.
Boston Green Building is a sustainable general contractor specializing in residential green construction. They build attractive, healthy, and comfortable environments for their clients by offering a unique service not found with most conventional contractors: namely, building green. In all of their projects, Boston Green Building aims to maximize energy efficiency, incorporate the use of environmentally responsible non-toxic materials, minimize waste and employ eco-friendly concepts.
The residence that will be open to the public as part of NESEA’s Green Buildings Open House tour is located on Beacon Hill in Boston at 1 Chestnut Street.
In this multi-unit building is a condominium featuring a “green” kitchen that the public is welcome to visit. Designed by Hickox-Williams architects and CleverGreen Cabinetry, this “green” kitchen features locally sourced materials: Vermont slate countertops, cherry hardwood and curly maple from
High efficiency appliances and Ultra-Touch recycled denim insulation save the client energy, and a mini-split ductless AC system cools only those rooms being occupied. A Bosch condensing dryer eliminated the need to penetrate the building envelope for venting. Paint is “Mythic” non-toxic, zero VOC. Historical accuracy was adhered to with the replication of damaged sections of original plaster crown mouldings. These profiles are echoed in the cabinetry trim as well.
The Massachusetts New Homes with ENERGY STAR® Program is the title sponsor for this year’s Green Buildings Open House. The ENERGY STAR® Program is sponsored by electric and gas utilities and energy efficiency service providers. The role of the Program is to promote and support the construction of energy-efficient new homes that provide long-term energy savings and a healthier living environment and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to the home on Beacon Hill, other types of buildings that will also be open to the public include businesses, commercial buildings, public buildings, schools, and private homes demonstrating the use of passive solar heating, solar hot water collection and storage, radiant floor heating, photovoltaics or wind to generate electricity, energy-saving techniques such as super-insulation and sealing air spaces, sustainable and healthy building materials, and water-saving fixtures.
NESEA’s Green Buildings Open House, part of the American Solar Energy Society’s National Solar Tour, is an opportunity to learn first-hand how incorporating green elements can help reduce heating costs, increase energy conservation, and even generate surplus clean energy. Visit nesea.org to see a complete list of Green Buildings Open House sites in your area and to plan your own tour.