The Challenge
66 Galen Street, a Class A, LEED Gold-certified building, sits on a revitalized, 5-acre life sciences campus in Watertown, MA. Fronting a high-traffic thoroughfare connecting Watertown Square and the MA Turnpike/I-90, Boston Development Group (BDG)’s acreage integrates commercial and academic spaces with a strong emphasis on resilience and environmental stewardship.
To meet the regulatory requirements of managing a 100-year storm and strict phosphorus reduction standards, BDG set out to optimize stormwater capture for water conservation and pollution control through innovative rainwater harvesting techniques. This approach would enhance project sustainability and set a precedent for future urban developments, showcasing the application of smart infrastructure with ecological care.
The Results
By implementing Opti’s digital technology, developers realize substantial upfront CAPEX and OPEX savings, and improved operational efficiency. Opti enables the use of smaller underground cisterns and tanks compared to traditional methods, freeing up valuable space that can be monetized for additional revenue.
By integrating Opti’s real-time, predictive control platform, BDG was able to eliminate one of two vaults in the original design plan, using one for both rainwater harvesting and stormwater detention.
The Solution
Integrating Opti's stormwater management system into project design reduced BDG’s stormwater detention footprint by 60%—a game changer for developers seeking innovative ways to maximize land usage, conserve water resources, and meet regulatory requirements. In addition, by capturing stormwater for site irrigation, property owners significantly slash reliance on municipal water supplies. This future-forward solution not only leads to substantial cost savings, but also benefits the environment and pressing concerns about water scarcity and rising utility expenses.
250,000 sf LEED Gold-certified Life Sciences Building at 66 Galen Street in Watertown, MA. Opti worked with VHB for civil engineering and WSP for mechanical engineering. Learn more about Opti’s solution with this video.
