Sustainable Design Architecture; Is It Making Waves in Greater Boston?

Are sustainable design features and strategies incorporated into Boston architecture, or is there resistance to this movement? Greater Boston is renowned for historical architecture and innovative design concepts, but can architects seamlessly integrate sustainability into their work without losing our region’s heart or visual history? Let’s explore this subject a little more.  

Sustainable Design Architecture Around Greater Boston

From the historic brownstones of Beacon Hill to the grand Victorian structures in Back Bay and surrounding townships, Boston’s architectural heritage holds a special place in the hearts of its residents and visitors. However, as homeowners become more conscious of their environmental impact, the demand for sustainable design in the architectural industry grows.

Despite market demand, Boston is setting its own high standards for sustainable design. As with most things Bostonian, the local townships and municipalities are leading the charge with revolutionary, sustainability-forward building and design laws/codes. 

New Stretch Codes in MA

For those unfamiliar with the term, a “stretch code” is a building energy code(s) that goes above and beyond what is required by state or federal law. In late 2022 into early 2023, Cambridge, Watertown, Newton, and Brookline voted to adopt new stretch codes in each municipality. Massachusetts is historically forward-thinking regarding sustainability and clean energy regulations, so these new stretch codes did not come as a surprise to most architects in Boston. 

From energy-efficient building materials to passive design strategies, the new stretch codes aim to minimize the environmental impact of buildings while maximizing their functionality and efficiency. Unsurprisingly, Greater Boston has been ahead of the curve for some time. 

Sustainable Design Architecture – Progressing Forward

While there is always some resistance to change in any industry, the architectural community in Greater Boston is, by and large, embracing sustainable design and is actively working towards integrating it into its practices. Understanding a client’s sustainability goals is step 1. If Greater Boston wishes to remain a leading example of green design, a collaboration between architects, property owners, and other stakeholders must always be in harmony. 

When it comes to Boston’s historic buildings, residential or commercial, there’s always an opportunity to update and ultimately integrate newer energy systems and eco-conscious elements into the property to help it reach new standards, never even considered when it was first built. 
Regarding new construction, Boston area architects will continue to meet and often beat the eco-standard their clients wish to achieve. To learn more about sustainable architectural design in Greater Boston and start the conversation about your next project, please contact us.