BOSTON, April 25, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The new Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems, with construction managed by Gilbane Building Company, will be at the leading edge of advanced energy technologies and efficiency, using the latest in sustainable building systems and providing real-time performance data in a living laboratory setting. This deep energy retrofit will transform the historic, 100-year-old building at 5 Channel Center in Boston into a building technology showcase for clean energy technologies and research.
"In addition to making the Building Technology Showcase the premier research and demonstration laboratory for clean energy technologies, we are committed to making the building a venue where everyone – from seasoned architects and construction executives to students still deciding their future career paths – can visualize the performance and potential of the technologies incorporated into the building," said Nolan Browne, Managing Director of Fraunhofer CSE. "Our goal is to present the information in innovative ways that engage visitors and create demand for these energy-saving systems and sustainable products in the market."
The Center will serve as the Fraunhofer's new headquarters, housing advanced research labs and staff. In addition to pre-construction and construction management services for the renovation of the building's core and shell, Gilbane will provide Fraunhofer with specialized knowledge and expertise related to the construction of energy efficient buildings.
"We're proud to play a role in helping accelerate the adoption of energy efficient building technologies in Boston and throughout the country," said Ryan Hutchins, Gilbane senior vice president and regional manager."The facility will not only serve as a model for clean energy technologies, but also provide real time data and results to encourage organizations to adopt these cutting-edge practices in their own facilities."
Fraunhofer is also using $2.7 million in energy efficient building products donated by nearly 40 companies, ranging from building material manufacturing giants like Dow Corning Corp. to Massachusetts start-up companies. CSE researchers will evaluate the reliability and effectiveness of the technologies incorporated into the building, helping technology developers prove out their products with building-integrated and other applied research.
The facility is being designed by DiMella Shaffer with BR+A as engineers. Renovations will begin in July and are scheduled to be complete by the end of this year. The Center will target LEED Platinum.
Note to editors: High-resolution renderings available upon request
About Fraunhofer:
Fraunhofer USA, Inc., headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan is a non-profit research organization, which operates labs in sustainable energy, biotechnology, computer security, manufacturing innovation, laser technology, and industrial coatings. Fraunhofer USA's research centers collaborate with major research universities in the United States, as well as institutes in Germany, to bring innovative technologies to the marketplace.
The Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems was founded in 2008, dedicated to the commercialization of clean energy technologies. CSE engages in collaborative R&D with private companies, government, and academic institutions, performing research that benefits firms, industries, and society. Fraunhofer CSE is headquartered in Massachusetts.
For more information on Fraunhofer CSE, visit http://cse.fraunhofer.org.
About Gilbane, Inc.
Gilbane provides a full slate of construction and facilities-related services – from sustainable building to the latest in construction technology – for clients across various markets. Founded in 1873 and still a privately held, family-run company, Gilbane has more than 60 office locations around the world. For more information, visit www.gilbaneco.com.
Gilbane, a leading Boston construction firm since 1946, delivers a full range of preconstruction, construction and program management services to public, commercial, and institutional clients in the Commonwealth, including current projects like the MBTA Green Line Extension, Fenway Park facility upgrades, and Acadian Asset Management office relocation. Gilbane has managed construction projects for the MA Division of Capital Asset Management, MBTA, University of Massachusetts, Massport and municipalities including Boston, Lowell, Quincy, and Worcester. Clients include respected organizations such as Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Tufts University, Genzyme, Fidelity Investments, Bank of America, and the Boston Red Sox.