Top 5 LEED-Certified Multifamily Projects in Massachusetts

The multifamily industry has experienced unprecedented growth since the onset of the health crisis, even posting strong performance while other sectors have struggled.

With apartments doubling as offices, the need for more efficient and sustainable living spaces has become more acute. Even more, the recent focus on climate change related issues has pushed the conversation regarding residential development toward more green buildings with more environmentally friendly amenities.

In 2021, the U.S. Green Council Building awarded LEED certification to 196 multifamily communities across the country, ranging from basic LEED certification to LEED Platinum certification. Massachusetts ranked fourth on the list, with a total of 12 properties. The list below highlights the five largest assets to receive either Gold or Platinum certification.

Here is a breakdown of the most impressive projects across the states according to USGBC’s ranking:

5. Radius

Radius

Starting the list is the 132-unit Radius within Boston’s Brighton submarket. USGBS awarded the property LEED Gold certification in May last year.

Situated at 530 Western Ave., the community is less than a mile from Boston Landing MBTA commuter rail station and less than 7 miles from the metro’s downtown. The six-story building features studio, one- and two-bedroom options, with common-area amenities that include a rooftop multipurpose room and fitness center, on-site bike storage and a work-from-home conference room.

4. The Harvey

The Harvey

The 177-unit property is part of the Hood Park mixed-use project, a redevelopment of the old H.P. Hood and Sons dairy manufacturing complex, which will also include office and retail space. While sustainability was a major factor for the whole project, the multifamily building received LEED Platinum certification at the beginning of 2021.

Located at 50 Hood Park Drive, the Harvey was named after Harvey Perley Hood, the founder of H.P. Hood and Sons. Sustainable features in the five-story building includes an HVAC system, solar panel roof hookups to provide the option for solar power in the future, floor-to-ceiling windows in all units and electric vehicle charging stations. Additionally, the team used low VOCs and sustainable sourced products including FSC woods throughout the development process.

3. Caldwell

Caldwell

Built on the site of a former shoe factory, Caldwell received LEED Platinum certification in November last year. Sustainability was a central point in the development of the 259-unit community, from responsibly sourced wood that was non-tropical, reclaimed or certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Additionally, units were furnished with 100 percent Energy Star rated appliances, while the property features electric car charging stations, optimized air filtration systems, on-site solar power production and rooftop veggie gardens. The community’s design features sustainability in even in smaller elements such as the use of ultra-low emission paint, flooring, wood, and insulation.

Located at 34 Munroe St. in Lynn, Mass., the property is situated across the street from the MBTA Central Square station and 28 miles from downtown Boston. Caldwell features studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, with common-area amenities that include a rooftop pool, an indoor rock climbing wall and coworking spaces.

2. The Commons at Walpole Station

Located directly across the street from the the Walpole MBTA Commuter Rail Station in Walpole, Mass., the 192-unit luxury property received LEED Gold certification in mid-2021. John M. Corcoran & Co. received $43.6 million in construction financing from East Boston Savings Bank for the development of The Commons at Walpole Statin.

Situated at 95 W St., the community is less than 28 miles from downtown Boston. The six-story building comprises studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom options, with green features such as LED lighting, HVAC systems and water heaters, as well as low-flow water features, energy-efficient windows, Nest Learning Thermostats and EV charging stations.

1. Clippership Wharf

Clippership on the Wharf

Lendlease’s Clippership Wharf in East Boston was the largest project to receive certification last year. The waterfront development was first awarded LEED Silver certification in 2019, while at the end of 2021 receiving LEED Platinum certification. The property includes 284 units, with one-, two- and three-bedroom options.

Located at 63 Lewis St., the project includes a first-of-its-kind “living shoreline” restoration with salt marshes, rocky beaches, wildlife habitats and an on-site kayak rental center. This protects the development during storms and extra high tides, with the help of flood barriers that can quickly be slotted in place in advance of a major storm. Equipped with solar panels, Clippership Wharf can also generate enough energy to power the equivalent of 35-40 homes a year.