MIT’s New Volpe Center in Kendall Square Pioneers Sustainable Innovation
MIT is making waves in the field of sustainable innovation with the opening of its new Volpe Center in Kendall Square. The transportation center is the first building to open in a mixed-use development that aims to enhance the surrounding community while encouraging innovation.
Collaborating with the US General Services Administration and Department of Transportation, MIT plans to redevelop the remaining site in the coming months. The ambitious plan includes the construction of eight more buildings, turning the area into a hub of research labs, retail spaces, affordable housing, and open green spaces.
One of the main objectives of the new Volpe Center is to modernize the transportation system in an environmentally sound manner and ensure it benefits everyone. MIT and federal officials have emphasized the importance of involving the community in their efforts to tackle climate change and transportation challenges.
Sarah Gallop, the director of MIT government and community relations, stated, There is a very strong sense in Cambridge that the only way we are going to tackle those problems is together, so the opening up of the entire parcel is really well received by Cambridge.
The new Volpe Center is designed to achieve a LEED Gold certification, which recognizes buildings for their energy efficiency and sustainability. It incorporates various green technologies, such as solar panels, triple-paned glass, electric vehicle charging stations, and a rainwater reclamation and reuse system that captures, stores, and distributes water throughout the building. The green and cool roof technology also contributes to lowering energy usage.
To maximize energy efficiency, the Volpe Center features an Advanced Building Automation System that automates and controls heating, cooling, and lighting. By implementing these upgrades, the new building will cut the carbon emissions of its predecessor in half.
These improvements align with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Federal Sustainability Plan, which aims for all federal buildings to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. The Volpe Center sets an example for other institutions to follow, showcasing the potential of sustainable practices in the transportation sector.
In addition to its environmentally friendly features, the Volpe Center offers state-of-the-art facilities for collaboration and research. With a conference room able to accommodate up to 800 people, it becomes an attractive destination for government agencies hosting conferences, events, and meetings. These gatherings create opportunities for collaboration with researchers from renowned local universities, including Harvard and MIT.
The building also provides six laboratory areas, including human factors labs that focus on improving the efficiency and safety of transportation technology while considering human capabilities. For instance, one of the labs features a driving simulation to test driver reactions when notified of a railroad crossing ahead.
Furthermore, MIT ensures that work-life balance is a priority within the Volpe Center. The new building includes a daycare center that can accommodate up to 60 children, taking some of the pressures off employees and their families.
As MIT pioneers sustainable innovation through the opening of its new Volpe Center, it sets an example for other institutions and highlights the potential of collaboration, environmentally friendly design, and cutting-edge research in creating a better future for transportation. With its focus on energy efficiency, community involvement, and technological advancements, the Volpe Center promises to propel sustainable innovation in Kendall Square and beyond.
