An electronic newsletter from the Marine Biological Laboratory
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Facilities Update
Climate Commitment Committee Established
The MBL has established a Climate Commitment Committee (MBL-CCC) whose purpose is to guide the MBL towards a neutral or positive impact with respect to green house gas emissions. In forming the committee, the MBL has created an institutional structure to guide the development of a comprehensive institutional action plan.
The committee is currently working to complete a comprehensive inventory of all of the MBL’s greenhouse gas emissions including those stemming from electrical use, heating, air travel, and gasoline use in boats and trucks. Several new policies aimed at decreasing the laboratory’s negative impact on the environment are being developed. New policies for the purchase of energy-efficient Energy Star® appliances, use of “green” cleaning supplies, and recyclable carpet are all being explored. In addition, a policy stating that the MBL will strive for the equivalent of U.S Green Building Council’s LEED Silver certification for all new campus construction is also in the works.
Stay tuned for periodic updates and progress reports. For more information about the MBL-CCC, contact MBL Director of Facilities and Services Richard Cutler at x7454, rcutler@mbl.edu
MBL Climate Commitment Committee Members:
- Bill Brosseau, Manager of Plant Operation Maintenance
- Larry Burdge, Manager Building Services and Grounds
- Richard Cutler (co-chair), Director of Facilities and Services
- Hugh Ducklow (co-chair), Co-Director, Ecosystems Center
- Lionel Hall, Purchasing Supervisor
- Gina Hebert, Associate Director of Communications
- Ed Rastetter, Senior Scientist, Ecosystems Center
Rowe Renovation Wins Award
The Rowe renovation project has won a 2008 Building of America Award from Construction Communications. The project will be featured in the 2008 New England Real Estate & Construction Review, which showcases the region's most important, innovative, and unique new construction and renovation projects.
The Rowe renovation was one of just 50 projects chosen to receive the award. Tsoi/Kobus & Associates, the project’s architects and award nominators, will be highlighted along with contractor and project team members, subcontractors, suppliers and vendors in a case study format that highlights why the project has been selected for the award.
MBL Cottages Receive Makeover
Four Devils Lane cottages are being completely renovated this year. The face-lift includes everything from new roofs, siding, and electrical systems to new kitchens, bathrooms, and gas wall mounted heaters. In addition, extensive repairs are being made to two Memorial Circle cottages. The MBL owns 75 cottages at Devil's Lane and Memorial Circle. From June through August the cottages are at full capacity, housing Whitman investigators, MBL course faculty, fellows, and Corporation Members. Some of the cottages are also used for conference and workshop participants in the off-season months.
