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Sustainable Design:
 SMMA's work in sustainable design builds on the firm's 50 year history of creating truly integrated design solutions. Our approach, staff, and tools support the business goals of all clients, including those who aspire to obtaining LEED™ certification.
We approach each project as a whole, from site plan to interior fit-up, providing information and alternative solutions for achieving efficiency and energy savings, through such sustainable design practices as environmentally friendly material selection, improved recycling programs, sustainable site design, and improved indoor air quality - both in the design and the construction phases.
SMMA's LEED™-accredited staff are recognized experts, active in the industry, writing articles, presenting papers, and lecturing on sustainability issues and trends.
As a firm we constantly look for more ways to conduct our business sustainably, from double-sided printing (when printing is necessary), to recycling, to use of the company bicycle for local trips.
Staff's expertise is refreshed through SMMA's green reference library, weekly on-line "Green Tips," and participation in regional seminars and workshops such as NESEA's Building Energy. The firm's application of new knowledge to projects is facilitated through such tools as energy modeling and daylight analysis software, as well as historic SMMA data. As a result, design solutions reflect specific project issues, as in the following examples from several current projects:
- A new 200,000 SF high school, certified as one of only 10 Massachusetts Green Schools, has 34 kW photovoltaic roof array, which, with other high-efficiency design elements, will contribute to 25% annual energy savings.
- Two Massachusetts Technology Collaborative early stage feasibility studies focus on renewable energy systems and energy efficiency criteria.
- An HVAC system design features heat recovery of exhaust air, 100% fresh air supply, CO2 sensoring, high-efficiency chillers and boilers, and energy management systems.
- Lighting design systems include multiple switching, daylighting sensors, and occupancy sensors shut-down lighting in vacated spaces.
- Water-conserving plumbing and toilet fixtures, grey water systems, and an ice storage system save resources and lower costs.
- Stormwater management systems are designed to incorporate best management practices and Low Impact Development techniques where possible.
SMMA has long been a New England leader in resource conservation. In addition to the current initiatives cited above, historic notable achievements include:
2008 SMMA develops options to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions on a 15-acre mixed use development in Burlington MA in a report that will be among the first in the state to be evaluated under the newest and most stringent Massachusetts Environmental Protection Agency policies.
2007 SMMA signs the 2030 Challenge, an international initiative to achieve carbon neutral consumption in new buildings by the year 2030.
2005 SMMA develops and delivers an inaugural training program in sustainable design practices for the architects and engineers of Malaysia's Department of Healthcare Design.
2001 SMMA designs first-of-a-kind vacuum evacuation system as part of a process water recycle system for Teradyne, Inc. in North Reading MA.
1997 SMMA designs purified wastewater reclamation system for semiconductor manufacturing at Fairchild Semiconductor in Mountaintop PA.
1992 SMMA designs unique tunneling solution to increase the occupancy potential in an existing uninhabitable basement area for IBM in Essex Junction VT, and is awarded ACEC's Award of Excellence.
1987 SMMA designs stormwater recharge system to offset evaporation losses in a fire pond for Talbots Inc, Lakeville MN.
1986 SMMA designs first thermal ice storage system to be installed in the City of Boston for the John Hancock Institute.
1983 SMMA designs first reduced face-area fume hood sash for Dupont/New England Nuclear Corp. Boston MA
1982 SMMA designs purified wastewater reclamation system for MIT's Semiconductor Research Institute in Cambridge MA.
1978 SMMA, in conjunction with Vaponics Inc., designs New England's most sophisticated water purification system for Digital Equipment Corporation in Hudson MA.
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