In October 2005, the Artists For Humanity EpiCenter was awarded LEED Platinum Certification from the United States Green Building Council; it was the first project in the city of Boston to have earned this distinction. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings.

This is a facility completely dedicated to the voice, vision and virtuosity of urban teens. It is also committed to environmental responsibility. The entire 23,500 square foot EpiCenter was built using environmentally responsible methods and incorporates renewable energy technologies. Most importantly, it demonstrates the feasibility – and affordability – of green design and the future role it could play in our changing built environment.

A 49-kilowatt photovoltaic array mounted on the sloped roof of the building provides over 50of the electricity needed. A night natural ventilation system keeps the EpiCenter cool without the need for air conditioning. These features, among others, allow the organization to save over $66,000 in electricity and natural gas costs annually.

The EpiCenter has already had a resounding impact on Boston’s cultural and environmental communities as a public event space, resource for environmental awareness and host of the nation’s largest exhibited collection of youth-created art. Geographically and symbolically, it bridges the South Boston and Fort Point neighborhoods with opportunities for community interaction and dialogue. The EpiCenter is the fourth artist-owned building in Fort Point, which helps preserve this neighborhood’s history and character as the largest arts district in New England.

These case studies can provide more detailed information about our EpiCenter and the design/construction process: