HOLISTIC HOMES

On 6-25-08 Genzyme Corporation, a leader in the biotechnology field, hosted a web-based conference call with half a dozen online journalists focused on environmental issues and concerns. I represented HOLISTIC HOMES.

Genzyme representatives included Rick Mattila, Director of Environmental Affairs; Lisa Hartman, Principal Environmental Engineer; and Bo Piela, Senior Director, Corporate Communications.

Genzyme has a longstanding involvement with sustainable resources and renewable energy, as evidenced by their environmentally friendly facilities in Cambridge, MA and Framingham, MA. The Genzyme Center in Cambridge – LEED Certified Platinum – was completed in 2003. The Science Center in Framingham – seeking LEED Silver Certification – was completed recently in 2008.

At present, Genzyme has green construction plans for two additional global facilities – in Lyon, France and Beijing, China. Genzyme intends for these buildings to be constructed following the ISO 14001 international specification for environmental management systems.

The Massachusetts structures hit all the high notes of green design and construction. Lisa Hartman described the collaborative integrated design process that enabled these buildings to function at peak levels of efficiency. In the Framingham facility, laboratories are located internally, around the building’s inner core. This innovative design principle allowed for a reduction in the number of air exchangers, improving the building’s overall ventilation, significantly reducing energy usage, and providing substantial cost savings.

Water conservation is another critical element in the design of a sustainable and renewable building. Again, measures to efficiently use water resources were built-in at the beginning of the design process. Genzyme’s buildings use a wide range of water-saving fixtures, including automatic faucets, low-flow showers, waterless urinals, and dual-valve flush toilets. Each of these measures has been shown to reduce water usage from 50 to 75%.

Importantly, recycling of process materials is a critical component of Genzyme’s industrial operations.

Additionally, Genzyme’s Framingham and Cambridge facilities boast numerous indoor gardens and green spaces. The company conducts tours of these gorgeous buildings – more than 12,000 people have toured the Genzyme buildings in the last four years. More than 40 employees lead these tours several times a month.

Environmental conservation has become part of Genzyme’s corporate culture. Employee surveys regularly describe how working in environmentally friendly offices improves personal satisfaction and productivity. Genzyme hosts “Steward of the Month” contests, acknowledging and rewarding employees’ innovative green solutions and community activities.

Genzyme walks the talk. The entire corporate chain-of-command, from C-level executives through scientists, laboratory workers, and maintenance specialists, is committed to high levels of success based on doing valuable work in harmony with nature.