Since it opened in late 2003, Genzyme Center has
been viewed as a symbol of environmentally
responsible construction. It has shown that it
is possible to create a healthy and comfortable
workplace for employees while still reducing its
impact on the environment.
Genzyme Center’s energy costs are estimated to
be 42 percent less than that of a comparable
building. Genzyme Center also uses an estimated
34 percent less water than a comparable
building. In total, over 75 percent of the
materials used to construct the building contain
recycled materials and more than 90 percent of
all construction waste from the project was
recycled.
In addition to its environmental benefits,
Genzyme Center was designed with the employees
in mind. The building provides an environment
where people can work comfortably and
productively and with greater focus and
efficiency. Genzyme Center employees enjoy
abundant natural light, windows that open and
the ability to control workspace temperature and
light levels.
In addition, most employees have direct views to
the outdoors from their offices or workspaces.
Eighteen gardens located throughout the building
help bring the outdoors in.
To track the effect of the new building design
on employees, Genzyme administered a survey 18
months after it opened. Comparing Genzyme Center
to their prior workspace, employees responded to
the survey as follows:
 72%
said they felt more alert and productive.
88%
said having direct views and access to the
interior gardens improved their sense of well
being.
75%
said the building’s clear glass design has
increased their sense of connection with
colleagues.
92%
said the building has increased their sense of
pride about Genzyme’s commitment to the
 environment.
Genzyme Center’s green design not only effects
employees but has ignited much interest in the
community. To accommodate this interest, the
Genzyme Center Tours Program has guided more
than 11,000 visitors through the building. Genzyme has hosted governors, mayors, foreign
dignitaries, and journalists. Some of the most
memorable guests include Massachusetts Governor
Deval Patrick, Massachusetts Senator Edward
Kennedy, former Massachusetts Governors Michael
Dukakis and Mitt Romney, Melinda Gates, founder
of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and
French dignitary Ségolène Royal.
Read an article from
Architecture magazine
entitled “Bright Green Machine” which explores
the positive impact Genzyme Center’s building’s
features have had on employees.
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