Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI

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Project Background

The new 327,000-square-foot Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) Headquarters is located at Waterplace Park in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. The 13-story office tower rises atop an existing underground parking garage.

The project is part of a major facility consolidation effort put forth by BCBSRI. In October 2009, the new LEED-NC Gold headquarters relocated 1,100 employees from six widely-scattered buildings into one building. The new office facility includes a customer call center, training rooms, data center, fitness center, and cafeteria.

Strategies and Results

The project’s sustainability goals, shared by the owner and project team, were fully integrated into the design and construction process. Early collaboration and the aspiration to achieve LEED-NC certification resulted in the incorporation of LEED criteria into the construction documents. The owner’s buy-in gave clear direction to be followed through construction, resulting in a healthy and energy-efficient building that demonstrates the benefits of green design.

25% of the roof is a vegetated (“green”) roof, which reduces stormwater runoff and the heat island effect, while providing additional insulation. An installed rainwater harvesting system saves 20,000 gallons of water per year. Efficient plumbing fixtures reduce potable water use by over 30%.

Efficient lighting and mechanical systems are employed throughout the building, improving energy use to 21.4% beyond the requirements of ASHR AE 90.1-2004. Additionally, daylight harvesting reduces lighting demand by an estimated 20%. These energy efficiency measures have been recognized through considerable utility incentives. Enhanced commissioning ensures that the building’s design intent is met and that the performance of its systems is maximized.

The project is centrally-located and within walking distance of 26 bus lines and the Amtrak/MBTA station. Alternative transportation programs such as subsidized bus passes, preferred parking for low-emission and alternative fuel vehicles, and bike racks help reduce pollution and congestion.

20% of the material used in the building is recycled and 10% was sourced from within 500 miles. Reusable, demountable office partitions reduce waste, resource demand, and energy when reconfigurations are needed. Comprehensive recycling helps reduce waste sent to landfills every day.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield is committed to providing a healthy environment for its employees. Sustainable design measures, such as choosing GreenGuard and SCS Indoor Advantage certified furniture and low-VOC interior finish products were used throughout the building. 75% of regularly-occupied spaces have access to daylight and 90% have access to exterior views, which research has shown to improve occupant health and productivity.

About Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI

Since 1939, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, a non-profit corporation, has been dedicated to improving the health of its members, strengthening relations with providers, and simplifying its business processes. As a LEED NC Gold candidate, the new BCBSRI headquarters treads lightly on the environment while offering a healthier, more comfortable workplace for employees and a sound investment for the company.

Download LEED Project Profile (PDF)