MassDEP Launches Green Initiative to Encourage Leasing of
Environmentally Friendly Office Space

In a step to expand the Patrick Administration's statewide energy efficiency goals, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) officials announced today green guidelines to encourage environmentally friendly office space lease agreements for the department's public sector offices.

The new Green Lease guidelines require landlords submitting proposals for MassDEP offices to equip the premises with energy management systems, meet water conservation standards for all new plumbing fixtures, and provide bicycle commuting facilities at their building, among other green measures. Six pages of environmentally friendly initiatives like these are included in MassDEP office leasing documents to encourage green proposals, contracts and agreements between the state and office building landlords.

A request for proposals (RFP) using these guidelines is now underway as MassDEP seeks new lease agreements for its central headquarters in Boston, and a regional office in Worcester.

"Businesses want to do the right thing - the green thing - to reduce their carbon footprint," said MassDEP Commissioner Laurie Burt. "By promoting the use of this unique Green Lease model, MassDEP is paving the way for other state agencies and local businesses that want to bring environmental sustainability to their commercial leasing options."

Proposals that include sustainable and green practices will receive preference in the state review process, adding an incentive for potential landlords to commit to affordable, progressive environmental practices.

The guidelines were drafted in conjunction with the state Division of Capital Asset Management (DCAM), which is responsible for major public construction and real estate services for the Commonwealth.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for MassDEP and DCAM to expand on the commitment to bring green building design and operations to state agencies," said DCAM Commissioner David B. Perini. "The inclusion of these sustainable and green business practices in these two RFPs for MassDEP will generate valuable new information on the private lease market that will be vital as we plan other leases for other agencies."

The sustainable and green business practices requested in MassDEP's RFPs include the following:

* Installation of Energy Management Systems for both lighting and mechanical equipment within the leased premises;
* Separate metering to allow the agency to monitor and report on its energy usage;
* Enhanced recycling efforts, including single-stream recycling and adoption of a waste management plan during construction;
* Use of recycled content during construction of new walls and partitions, and use of low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in carpet and paint;
* Water conservation standards for all new plumbing fixtures installed for the lease;
* Use of green cleaning solutions and practices; and
* Bicycle commuting facilities for staff, and bicycle racks for visitors.

The Green Lease guidelines complement the Patrick Administration's efforts under Executive Order 484, which commits all state agencies to ambitious goals for energy efficiency improvements and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. Massachusetts is leading by example by purchasing hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles, contracting for energy management services, and considering efficiency and renewable energy for construction and renovation projects.

The guidelines also build on the goals outlined in the Commonwealth's "Zero Net Energy" initiative, which seeks to construct or renovate buildings using design techniques that minimize energy use and maximize renewable energy opportunities.

Click here for more information about the Zero Net Energy initiative or visit www.mass.gov/eoeea . 

To obtain a copy of the Green Lease RFP, go to: www.comm-pass.com, click on the Solicitation tab and follow the link to Space Leasing.

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