Shire cGMP Warehouse Gains LEED Silver Certification

The SMMA/CRB design team for the Shire Human Genetic Therapies Warehouse and Distribution Center reached its project goal of LEED Silver Certification. They adapted an existing warehouse and distribution facility to accommodate the more sophisticated GMP requirements for Shire HGT as a storage and distribution center to support their new drug manufacturing facility in Lexington, MA. The project involved the interior renovation of an existing 92,000sf warehouse to create cold room and ambient spaces required for cGMP storage. The primary spaces are approximately 15,000sf of cold storage and 45,000sf of ambient storage. The building includes a number of secondary uses, including office support; packaging and labeling; quality control sampling; material handling; support spaces; and circulation space. From the outset, the design team’s goal was to design the building to meet Shire’s sustainable goals. Early design phase decisions included the reuse of the existing structure to the greatest possible extent in order to minimize construction demolition. Other green initiatives include a cool roof, support of alternative transportation, construction waste management, HVAC efficiency upgrade, water use reduction, enhanced commissioning, recycled and regional materials, and a green cleaning program.