Kaplan Construction is dedicated to sustainable building, with 75% of our estimating and project management team holding LEED® accreditation or Certified Passive House Builder (CPHB) credentials. We’ve proudly been involved with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) since 2007. We recognize the environmental impact of our industry and are committed to continuously improving our practices to reduce harmful effects. Sustainable construction practices such as the use of repurposed building materials, energy efficient HVAC systems, and photovoltaic infrastructure provide economic advantages for our clients as well as for the environment.
The recently completed Leyland Community in Boston (photo below), designed for PHIUS and LEED® Silver certification, is our latest achievement representing Kaplan’s commitment to responsible building. The following PHIUS elements were implemented to better regulate interior temperature and comfort for the senior housing complex: additional insulation in the building’s exterior and roof systems; extensive air sealing to separate units from one another and the outdoors; high-quality HVAC ventilation systems; efficient appliances; and water piping configuration to aid in the timely distribution of hot water.
Boston University Children’s Center also involved several green building initiatives to achieve LEED® Gold certification. We implemented a groundwater recharge system, allowing continual reuse of onsite water. Smart landscaping allowed the building to use 30% less outdoor water and low flow fixtures inside allowed 20% less water than code-required levels. An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) was installed, providing a minimum exhaust rate of 0.50 cfm per square foot to enhance indoor air quality and prevent cross-contamination. Additionally, over 75% of the waste generated on-site was diverted from landfills and incineration facilities.
