As we strive to reduce our environmental impact on our jobsites, we realize that as a fast-paced company with offices across the country, it is important that our internal practices are environmentally responsible as well. Shawmut’s Green Building Committee (GBC) helps tie all of our efforts together so that we can continue to grow as a business while minimizing out negative impact on the world around us. Since 2001, the GBC’s mission has been to serve as a think tank to bring a diversity of ideas to fuel our internal sustainable construction initiatives. Meeting monthly, the GBC has been responsible for a number of Shawmut’s green building initiatives including our extensive office recycling program, our green cleaning product program, and our eco-friendly low water and energy use bathrooms. Among Shawmut’s environmentally conscious, green building internal efforts also include:
The Shawmut Bike Program - The Shawmut Bike Program provides bicycle safety courses and company-owned bikes, helmets, locks, panniers, and fenders for travel to local jobs. As part of our ongoing green initiatives, the program stands to reduce CO2 emissions by 1.4 tons annually, and through the program Shawmut has been recognized by Boston’s Mayor Menino as a “bike friendly business”.
Renewable Energy – Shawmut uses 100% renewable energy for all office operations in Boston. In partnership with Renewable Choice, a Colorado-based leader in wind power development and alternative energy marketing, Shawmut purchases wind energy credits to offset the 881,400 kWh we use every year. In choosing green initiatives that support and use clean renewable energy, we hope to distinguish ourselves as a leader in sustainable business practices, and hopefully encourage others to reduce their carbon footprints as well.
LEED® Remodel – In 2008, approximately 100 Boston employees moved to their new workspace on the 5th floor of 560 Harrison Avenue. The 5th floor remodel attained a total recycling rate of 81.6%, saving 48 tons of construction waste from landfills and incineration. Water saving measures were implemented to produce a 44% reduction in water use when compared to standard plumbing fixtures, and 89 light fixtures were salvaged and reused by Shawmut employees in their children’s schools, family clubs, and basement renovations. The project is another in our long list of green initiatives, and is on target for LEED® Silver certification, and is awaiting final approval.
