AJAX GREEN

 

Ajax is committed to developing and managing our assets in a sustainable way. Ajax approaches sustainability with respect to the interplay between economic, environmental and social factors impacting the site, its occupants and the surrounding community. We make every reasonable effort to reduce the overall ecological footprint of our projects while providing long-lasting developments that promote occupant health, decrease dependency on non-renewable energy resources, reduce water consumption and improve overall ecological health.

 

Here are just a few of our recent achievements:

 

  • At the Northwood Center Ajax recently upgraded the lighting throughout the facility with energy efficient fixtures. Additionally, we added occupancy sensors in order to eliminate wasteful use of electricity when offices are not occupied.
  • At Hotel Sax Chicago, Ajax recently completed a lighting upgrade of the 355 room hotel which included changing out the previous incandescent lights with new low wattage compact fluorescent bulbs. In addition to the energy savings, the hotel expects to see a reduction in their labor costs as the lamps selected have life expectancy rates of 5 plus years.
  • Ajax is currently in the planning stages for its first LEED certifiable project in the City of Boston. With construction set to begin later this year, Lovejoy Wharf will consist of the sustainable redevelopment of existing buildings located within walking distance of North Station. Green highlights will include energy efficient appliances, lighting and heating as well as a proposed green roof.
  • At Brookside Mill, Westford, MA, an Ajax affiliate was a recipient of a design and feasibility grant from Massachusetts Technology Collaborative under its Green Building initiative for projects that incorporate renewable energy technologies and related features in green building projects. At the time of the grant, the project was registered with the US Green Building Council having completed its LEED Registered Project Checklist. The site of a former mill operation, the project design sought to re-harness the flow of the Stoney Brook for a hydropower installation of, at minimum, 75 kW, but potentially up to 100 KW. The hydropower generated electricity could be used to fully supply all common area electric needs of the existing residential condominium with any surplus possibly sold back to the grid or another willing purchaser.

    Contracted engineering services confirmed the optimal size of the system and Ajax analyzed the economic implications due to the resulting power sales opportunities (net metering, displacement generation, bi-lateral power sales, etc.) as an aspect of the design phase work plan.

    Initial analysis proposed a 75 kilowatt turbine generating set which would be estimated to produce 335,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity given water flows similar to those experienced during the past 30 years, the approximate historic electrical load of the condominium common areas. Subsequent engineering and analysis steered the final design to annual production that could potentially be maximized and optimized with two (2) fifty kilowatt generators rather than one 75 KW machine.

    This project stands ready for permitting and eventual construction at the discretion of the condominium association.

 

NICHOLSON APPOINTED TO MASSACHUSETTS
ZERO NET ENERGY BUILDINGS TASK FORCE


BOSTON, MA - Ajax Partners Director of Sustainable Development Craig Nicholson was recently appointed to the Massachusetts Zero Net Energy Buildings Task Force, a group appointed at Governor Deval Patrick’s direction to help the state’s public and private sectors design and construct super-efficient “green” buildings. By employing aggressive use of energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy, zero net energy buildings meet most of their energy needs through efficiency measures and on-site renewable energy generation so that, on net, they increase neither energy demand nor greenhouse gas emissions. Zero net energy buildings also have the potential to lower costs for residences and businesses and spur clean energy technology development and job growth. The task force has been charged with developing specifications for the first state-owned zero net energy building by January 1, 2010 and statewide adoption of the standard for new construction by 2030. Nicholson will be focusing on addressing the medium- to long-term prospects of moving the commercial construction market in Massachusetts toward zero net energy.


“Ajax is excited to be a part of this task force and we are looking forward to working with other building and energy leaders to advance the state’s goals for reduced energy use and greenhouse gas emissions while increasing the use of renewable energy sources,” said Craig Nicholson. “We look forward to playing an active role in the creation of this new standard for advancing energy efficiency for buildings. We see this as a potential win-win for building developers, owners, occupants and the environment.”