Boston's Castle Square Apartments achieves 72% energy reduction after retrofit

Earlier this year, Castle Square Apartments in Boston completed a deep energy retrofit after a complex renovation process that lasted two years. A deep energy retrofit is defined as a renovation with energy savings greater than 50%, but the retrofit work at Castle Square Apartments reaped a whopping 72% energy usage reduction. The retrofit, which cost more than $8 million, included a 'five-inch super insulated shell,' an insulated reflective roof, high-efficiency windows, and extensive air sealing.
Dec. 19, 2012

Earlier this year, Castle Square Apartments in Boston completed a deep energy retrofit after a complex renovation process that lasted two years. A deep energy retrofit is defined as a renovation with energy savings greater than 50%, but the retrofit work at Castle Square Apartments reaped a whopping 72% energy usage reduction. The retrofit, which cost more than $8 million, included a "five-inch super insulated shell," an insulated reflective roof, high-efficiency windows, and extensive air sealing.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has awarded the project LEED Platinum Certification. The 540,000 sf mixed-use property in Boston’s vibrant South End neighborhood includes townhouses and affordable housing units. Built in the 1960s, the property is a good example of affordable housing developments that were built during that time with minimal to no energy-efficient construction techniques.

(http://www.cpexecutive.com/cities/boston/usgbc-awards-leed-platinum-to-south-bostons-castle-square-apartments)

About the Author

Drew Ballensky

Drew Ballensky is general manager of Duro-Last Roofing, Inc.’s central U.S. facility in Iowa and company spokesman for Duro-Last’s cool roofing, sustainability and architectural education programs. He is past-president of the Chemical Fabrics and Film Association and chairman of CFFA’s Vinyl Roofing Division. Drew earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from the University of Northern Iowa and master’s degree in business administration from Florida State University. Drew has over 29 years experience in business and industry in various engineering and managerial capacities. He has worked in the U.S. and Canadian operations for a major international manufacturer of pre-engineered steel buildings, was a financial analyst with a major athletic apparel manufacturer and was an owner of a general contracting company.
Sign up for Building Design+Construction Newsletters
Get the latest news and updates.