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Sustainability makes its way into every design plan these days. But even still, sustainability and efficiency are rarely the primary focus of a building’s conception — one that’s the driving force for estimators, architects, designers, and contractors alike. So rare in fact, that the new DCAMM (Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance) Surplus Properties Facility is the first of its kind when it comes to sustainable features. And EDM is the fuel behind it all. 

DCAMM and their facilities group called in EDM to provide master planning for their existing, multi-structure campus in Lancaster, featuring an array of century-old buildings that the group was eager to bring into the 21st century.

The new facility recently broke ground and will be a 7,450 SF office/vehicle building and 4,000 SF storage building in Northborough. And while Massachusetts’ State Law required the buildings to be LEED Silver, advancing discussions took this sustainability initiative far beyond obligations. 

So with the expectation to exceed the Commonwealth’s energy and sustainability goals wherever possible, while aiming for net zero carbon and/or net-zero energy use, EDM executed an unprecedented level of critical analysis throughout the design process. 

These sustainably-driven decisions included using a wooden frame for both buildings, as it’s not only a naturally regenerating material, but also one that has inherent thermal qualities that help the structure’s envelope. In addition, the building won’t be powered by fossil fuels; it will be sustained by a photo-voltaic array and a ground-source, closed-loop geothermal heating and cooling system.

This life cycle cost analysis played a big role in the selection of a standing seam metal roof, which would last an additional 20+ years compared to the alternative.

While applying LEED on the office side of the building was fairly simple, doing the same for a garage posed another unique challenge. It not only involved careful planning by the design teams on the project, but also having conversations with the employees who work there.

Similarly, the EDM team is looking at ways to adjust their own day-to-day actions as well — starting with the design process itself.

While the building itself is fairly simple to the naked eye, the thrill of it is these unique and intricate layers of sustainability buried within the walls. Passersby may not even notice, except for one very purposeful spot, where an extruded wall frame reveals the thick insulation below as a glimpse into the essence of it all. With the intent of LEED Gold, LEED Net Zero certification, and Passive House certification, the DCAMM facility is truly the first of its kind for both the community and the EDM team — but most certainly, not the last.