Energy Track Event
The Genzyme Center, 500 Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA 02142

Date/Time: Thursday, March 25, 2010, at 6:00 – 8:00 PM
6:00 – 6:30: Informal networking / light dinner buffet
6:30 – 7:00: Presentation
7:00 – 8:00: Tours

Location: The Genzyme Center, 500 Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA

In this fourth program in the HBSAB Energy series this year, HBSAB members and guests will enjoy a private tour of the Genzyme Center – the premier example of corporate green architecture in the US today and Platinum award winner for Leadership in Energy Efficient Design.

The Genzyme Center has now become an anchor of East Cambridge redevelopment. Genzyme knew from the start of the project ten years ago that it did not want a traditional office building. With its history of innovation, Genzyme wanted a bold building that would make a statement about the values that have driven its success.

Of the seven proposals in the international architectural competition, one stood out: -- a unique design from Behnisch, Behnisch and Partner. Their proposal envisioned the building from the “inside out,” with a primary focus on creating a positive workplace for employees emphasizing natural light, views of the outdoors, and an open “feel” that would encourage collaboration. The world-renowned workspace design firm DEGW and its co-founder Frank Duffy designed the interior workspace to fit with the company’s collaborative culture and to emphasizes several employee-friendly features: operable windows, indoor gardens, natural light enhancement systems, and a cafeteria with sweeping views of the Charles River and the Boston cityscape.

Genzyme Center’s energy costs and water usage are more than a third less than that of comparable buildings. Overall, construction made extensive use of recycling and recycled materials. And the Genzyme Center is partly hearted by an adjacent cogeneration plant.

Genzyme is a diversified enterprise with more than 12,000 employees worldwide and 2008 revenues of $4.6 billion. In 2007, Genzyme received the National Medal of Technology, the highest honor awarded by the President of the United States for technological innovation.

Faraz Ali, Senior Director of Marketing and Strategic Planning at Genzyme and HBS MBA ’01, will discuss management decisions and rationale for the design approach; other green buildings and initiatives underway; and recognition and challenges of measuring project success. In addition, Faraz and other Genzyme tour guides will explain the architectural and engineering challenges, features, and benefits of this remarkable building.

Pricing: 

• Member price : $35
• Non-Member : $55