Green Elements in Design

Brownfield Reclamation – The Yawkey Distribution Center was built on a site that was once the Boston municipal incinerator. Designated a brownfield, the abandoned land underwent remediation and rehabilitation during construction, thus transforming the once damaged site into a safe and viable piece of property.

Sustainable Construction – Between 10-20% of the construction materials used were procured and made within 500 miles of the site. In addition, more than half of the construction waste was diverted from landfills and incinerators. 10% of the materials used to construct the building contain recycled content.

Solar Wall – The building has a passive solar heating system in which the air in a cavity between the inner layer of the building wall and an outer perforated metal screen is heated by the sun.  During the winter, warm air is drawn into the building and during the summer, warm air is drawn out. This feature will heat and cool the State Street Foundation Volunteer Room.

Light Monitor – The large-scale light monitor is positioned so the low winter solar rays can penetrate deep into the warehouse to supply natural light and save on lighting and heating costs. During the summer, the high hot solar rays are blocked to keep the space cool. The light monitor will also provide additional natural light to the second floor office area. 

Roof & Ceiling Fans – The roof intake and exhaust fans in the warehouse will run on cool summer nights to pre-cool the space below, thus minimizing the use of building systems to condition the space. During the winter, the ceiling fans will be used to push the warmer air that naturally gathers at the top of the space downward.

Super-Insulated Roof – The super-insulated roof has at least six inches of insulation, which, in conjunction with the reflective white roofing, reduces summer heat gain by 25% and winter heat loss by 38%, thereby significantly reducing the cost of heating and cooling the building. 

Refrigeration System – The facility has an energy-efficient refrigeration system that uses less electricity than standard systems and features an ambient Freeaire system in the 55ºF cooler and refrigerated dock to bring in cold outside air to cool the space and reduce the load on some of the compressors.

The Food Bank expects to attain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, a mark of distinction showing that the building is environmentally responsible and a healthy place to work.