Bioengineering Group, Inc.

Wind, Solar May Be Competitive With Coal Without Aid in Decade, Chu Says

2011-03-30T10:13:00.000-04:00

Wendi Goldsmith and U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu

DOE and DOI Propose Solar Energy Zones in Six Western States

2011-01-21T11:26:00.001-05:00

The US Department of Energy (DOE) and US Department of the Interior (DOI) announced in this December press release a comprehensive environmental analysis that identifies proposed "solar energy zones" on public lands in six Western states. Lands that are in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah that are most suitable for environmentally sound, utility-scale solar energy production are the focus of this study, which, known as the draft Solar Energy Development Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS), available for public comment for a 90-day period that began December 17. The Draft Solar Energy PEIS document is available online at the Solar Energy Development PEIS website.

Pike Research: Energy Efficiency will be a Growing Focus for the Commercial Building Market in 2011

2010-12-23T10:15:00.000-05:00

Despite the general weakness in new construction due to the global recession, one building-related field has continued to grow: retrofits tied to improving the efficiency of facilities. A number of factors have been driving this growth, including the need to improve the energy performance of buildings for cost savings as well as the desire to obtain green building certification. A new white paper from Pike Research, “Building Efficiency: Ten Trends to Watch in 2011 and Beyond,” identifies 10 key trends that are having a strong influence on the worldwide building industry, including:
• Energy codes will keep raising the bar and enforcement is catching up.

• Mandatory disclosure rules will incentivize building owners to invest in energy efficiency.

• The pace of building certification will increase, led by LEED.

• Building energy management systems are in high demand.

• The U.S. ESCO market will see moderate growth and ESCOs in Asia Pacific’s developing markets will advance rapidly.

• Lighting: 2011 will not yet be “The Year of the LED”.

• The connection between efficient buildings and the smart grid will continue to grow.

• An increasing number of financing options will continue to emerge to support building efficiency programs.

• PACE is a financing option struggling to overcome a roadblock of its own.

• Systemic conditions, policy choices, and practical considerations will continue to present barriers to achieving energy efficiency, but investments in training, information access, and technology will gradually overcome many of them.

Download the full white paper here

Bioengineering Group Project Featured in November-December 2010 issue of Stormwater Magazine

2010-12-09T11:48:00.000-05:00

Located within the 100-year floodplain in Alewife Reservation, an urban wild, the site serves as habitat for diverse wildlife and provides opportunities for restoration and education. The challenge was to design a constructed wetland basin that met the technical requirements for stormwater detention and treatment while simultaneously meeting the habitat and recreational functions envisioned for the area in the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Master Plan for Alewife Reservation. Bioengineering Group designed this multifunctional stormwater management facility to serve the objectives of combined sewer overflow compliance, wildlife habitat enhancement, and recreation/education. The system is based on natural systems and processes as opposed to the traditional engineering approach. It incorporates both conventional and bioengineered structures that won praise from stakeholder groups and saved public agencies millions of dollars compared to more structural alternatives. Read the full article here

Earthen levees and spillway structures interface with trails, boardwalks, overlooks, an amphitheater, and native plants (trees, shrubs, and wetlands)

The Cambridge Stormwater Wetland system: • Is located on a15-acre site adjacent to Alewife T station and made up of 6.5 acres of existing wetland
• Provides 10.3 acre-feet of stormwater runoff storage
• Reduces CSO discharges into Alewife Brook and ultimately Boston Harbor by 87 percent (43.6 million gallons eliminated annually)
• Separates sewage from stormwater in a 420-acre area
• Includes high quality habitat (deep marsh, shallow marsh, open water, upland islands)
• Is self-sustaining with low maintenance requirements (e.g. mowing)
• Creates a sustainable hydrology that mimics national conditions
• Restores ecosystem structure and function by replacing invasive species with native species

Benefits:
• Create 3.4 acres of new, high-quality wetland
• 90 percent removal of TSS
• 95 percent removal of bacteria
• Preservation and enhancement of wildlife habitat
• Improved site amenities and esthetics
• Provides educational and recreational opportunities

Features:
• New entrance/gateway
• Boardwalk and scenic overlooks
• Amphitheater/outdoor classroom
• Bike paths
• Interpretive signage
• Invasive control
• Enhanced habitat

Pollutant Removal Pathways:
• Sedimentation
• Adsorption to sediments
• Physical filtration
• Microbial breakdown
• Plant uptake
• Detention

BIOENGINEERING GROUP HONORED AS A LEADER IN QUALITY GREEN JOBS

2010-12-06T12:44:00.000-05:00

On November 16th, Green For All and SJF Institute announced the first ever Green Jobs Award honorees. The Green Jobs Award honors businesses that contribute to the economy and the environment. Bioengineering Group, a woman-owned science and engineering firm headquartered in Salem, MA, was one of ten firms honored by Green For All and SJF Institute. The Green Jobs Award honors businesses that contribute to the economy and the environment. "Each of the companies chosen this year does its part in building the green economy through innovation and job creation here in the United States," says Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, CEO of Green For All. "They are demonstrating that by addressing the climate crisis we can take real steps in addressing the economic crisis as well."

Honorees are from across the country, representing diverse industries – from renewable energy and energy efficiency to consumer products and engineering. Together the companies honored employ more than 1,300 people and their aggregate revenue exceeds $150 million. "We hope that by acknowledging the tremendous work these companies are doing, we can support their noble efforts, and inspire other business leaders to follow their lead," says Bonny Moellenbrock, Executive Director of SJF Institute. Applicants were judged on their contribution to environmental quality, the quality of their jobs and benefits, the diversity of employment opportunities, and their level of community engagement.

“We are honored to have been chosen as one of ten recipients of The Green Jobs Award,” stated Kathy Santoro, Director of Human Resources for Bioengineering Group. “We see our firm as a place to put what we know into practice. Being “green” isn’t just given lip service, its woven into the fabric of the company culture until it quite literally changes how people see the world. Giving employees the opportunity to contribute to positive social and environmental outcomes is a powerful motivator. ”

Bioengineering Group, a proponent of early adoption of sustainable technologies and well-known leader in ecologically sensitive development and public infrastructure work, applies a tailored interdisciplinary approach to solving engineering problems. Current projects include the provision of engineering, program management, and construction management services, through a Joint Venture with ARCADIS, for the largest design-build civil works project in U.S. history—the $1.3 billion Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Surge Barrier that will provide hurricane and flood risk reduction for the city of New Orleans and enhancement of surrounding wetlands. The firm is also leading a significant program to accelerate adoption of renewable energy generation and ultra-low energy consuming facilities within the Department of Defense. Believing that every project offers the next opportunity to transact sustainability, Bioengineering Group provides design, environmental consulting, and sustainable site planning for private corporations, institutions, and local governments on small- to large-scale projects.

This award builds on other recent awards the firm has won, including the Environmental Business Journal’s highest level 2009 Business Achievement Award; Boston Business Journal’s Pacesetters Award which recognizes the region’s fastest-growing private companies; the ZweigWhite 2010 Hot Firms Award; Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 500/5000 Award recognizing the nation’s fastest-growing private companies; Top Ten Innovative Woman Entrepreneur by Fortune Magazine for 2010; and 2010 Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts by The Boston Business Journal and The Commonwealth Institute.

About The Green Jobs Award Program
With support from the Citi Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation, SJF Institute and Green For All have partnered to launch a Green Jobs Award Program, which seeks to identify, recognize, and promote private companies that are leaders in quality green job creation.

The program celebrates businesses that are making valuable contributions to both the economy and the environment. The application process was open to private companies with at least $500,000 in revenue, and with a business model that preserves or enhances environmental quality. Applicants were judged on their environmental contribution, quality of their jobs and benefits, the diversity of employment opportunities, and their level of community engagement.

For more information go to the Green Jobs Award website: http://www.greenjobsaward.org/

DOE Launches New Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Advisory Committee

2010-11-30T11:21:00.000-05:00

The U.S. Department of Energy announced the establishment of the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Advisory Committee (ERAC). ERAC will “provide advice to the Secretary of Energy to ensure that the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) continually focuses on transformative research to achieve technological innovations that move quickly into the marketplace, expedite green job growth, enhance our nation's energy security, and safeguard the environment. The Committee includes representation from a broad spectrum of expertise and experience including academia, technology development, project finance, economic development, and utilities.”

More information is included in this DOE press release and the EERE website.

BIOENGINEERING GROUP WINS TWO STEVIE AWARDS

2010-11-23T11:48:00.000-05:00

BIOENGINEERING GROUP WINS TWO PRESTIGIOUS

STEVIE® AWARDS AT 7TH ANNUAL STEVIE AWARDS FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Salem, MA – November 22, 2010 – Bioengineering Group, a woman-owned science and engineering firm headquartered in Salem, MA, was honored by The Stevie Awards for Women in Business as a finalist in four categories and a winner in two categories:

• Winner: Women Helping Women Award

• Winner: Website of the Year

• Finalist: Environmental Stewardship Program of the Year

• Finalist: Best Entrepreneur – Service Business up to 100 Employees

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business is an international competition recognizing the accomplishments of outstanding women executives, entrepreneurs, and the organizations they run. The awards are produced by the creators of the prestigious American Business AwardsSM.

More than 1,200 entries from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration in 54 categories. The 2010 honorees reflect a diverse group of large and small organizations from around the world. Only seven organizations won more than one Stevie Award, which included Bioengineering Group. Nations represented in the winners' circle include Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.A.

“We are delighted and honored to be recognized once again by The Stevie Awards for Women in Business,” stated Wendi Goldsmith, CEO of Bioengineering Group. “We are especially proud to be recognized for our efforts to encourage and support women to pursue careers in science, engineering, technology, and entrepreneurship. I am glad that our website has also gained notice for its down-to-earth presentation of technologically complex subjects and especially its main theme—embracing sustainability to achieve savings while delivering social and environmental benefits.”

Bioengineering Group, a proponent of early adoption of sustainable technologies and well-known leader in ecologically sensitive development and public infrastructure work, applies a tailored interdisciplinary approach to solving engineering problems. Current projects include the provision of engineering, program management, and construction management services, through a Joint Venture with ARCADIS, for the largest design-build civil works project in U.S. history—the $1.3 billion Inner Harbor Navigation Canal Surge Barrier that will provide hurricane and flood risk reduction for the city of New Orleans and enhancement of surrounding wetlands. The firm is also leading a significant program to accelerate adoption of renewable energy generation and ultra-low energy consuming facilities within the Department of Defense. Believing that every project offers the next opportunity to transact sustainability, Bioengineering Group provides design, environmental consulting, and sustainable site planning for private corporations, institutions, and local governments on small- to large-scale projects.

This award builds on other recent awards the firm has won, including the Environmental Business Journal’s highest level 2009 Business Achievement Award; Boston Business Journal’s Pacesetters Award which recognizes the region’s fastest-growing private companies; the ZweigWhite 2010 Hot Firms Award; Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 500/5000 Award recognizing the nation’s fastest-growing private companies; Top Ten Innovative Woman Entrepreneur by Fortune Magazine for 2010; and 2010 Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts by The Boston Business Journal and The Commonwealth Institute.

About The Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Honoring companies of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about The Stevie Awards at http://www.stevieawards.com/.
Sponsors of the 7th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business include the Business TalkRadio Network and KeyBank. Localization partner of the 2010 Stevie Awards is Lionbridge.

Federal Agencies Release Strategic Sustainability Performance Plans

2010-10-22T19:44:00.000-04:00

Federal agencies recently released Strategic Sustainability Performance Plans that outline how they will achieve the environmental, economic, and energy goals called for in Executive Order 13514 (Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance) signed by President Obama in October. These individualized plans align with each agency’s mission and responsibilities and demonstrate the Federal Government’s continued commitment to “lead by example” in providing sustainable solutions to environmental issues.

Sustainability Plans can be found at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/sustainability/plans

(SOURCE: The White House Council on Environmental Quality)

President Obama Signs Executive Order Officially Forming Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force

2010-10-18T08:53:00.000-04:00

On October 5th, President Obama signed the executive order officially forming gulf coast ecosystem restoration task force. Its mission is to coordinate efforts to implement restoration programs and projects in the gulf coast region. The task force also will coordinate with the Department of Health and Human Services on public health issues and with other federal agencies on ways to enhance the economic benefits that ecosystem restoration will bring to the region.

“The president has made clear that he wants restoration plans to come from the gulf coast, and not be imposed on the gulf residents by Washington. We’re counting on the people who know these areas best -- the people who call the gulf home -- to shape our work,” EPA Administrator and Task Force Chair Lisa P. Jackson explained in this EPA press release.

Related items: Read the full executive order

Crew planting Smooth Cordgrass on berms
made of dredged material from nearby Mississippi River
in Jefferson and Plaquemines Parishes, LA

DOE Releases Comprehensive Report on Offshore Wind Power in the United States

2010-10-15T11:06:00.000-04:00

The Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) released a report that comprehensively analyzes the key factors impacting the deployment of offshore wind power in the United States. The report, "Large-Scale Offshore Wind Power in the United States: Assessment of Opportunities and Barriers," includes a detailed assessment of the Nation's offshore wind resources and offshore wind industry, including future job growth potential. The report also analyzes the technology challenges, economics, permitting procedures, and the potential risks and benefits of offshore wind power deployment in U.S. waters.

"Clean, renewable energy development that capitalizes on the Nation's vast offshore wind and water resources holds great promise for our clean energy future and our economy," said U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu in this DOE press release.

Related items: Read the report’s executive summary

New York Times report: U.S. Military Orders Less Dependence on Fossil Fuels

2010-10-12T08:35:00.000-04:00

“After a decade of waging wars in remote corners of the globe where fuel is not readily available, senior [military] commanders have come to see overdependence on fossil fuel as a big liability, and renewable technologies — which have become more reliable and less expensive over the past few years — as providing a potential answer. These new types of renewable energy now account for only a small percentage of the power used by the armed forces, but military leaders plan to rapidly expand their use over the next decade.

‘There are a lot of profound reasons for doing this, but for us at the core it’s practical,’ said Ray Mabus, the Navy secretary and a former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, who has said he wants 50 percent of the power for the Navy and Marines to come from renewable energy sources by 2020.”

Read the full New York Times article

Department of Energy Launches Cool Roof Initiative

2010-10-08T08:21:00.011-04:00

Department of Energy Launches Cool Roof Initiative

Photo Courtesy Of Idaho National Laboratory

U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced a series of initiatives underway at the Department of Energy to more broadly implement cool roof technologies on DOE facilities and buildings across the federal government. Cool roofs use lighter-colored roofing surfaces or special coatings to reflect more of the sun’s heat, helping improve building efficiency by reducing cooling costs and offsetting carbon emissions. More.

Click for more information about cool roofs.

Because Sustainability Matters - Site by Site, Project by Project

2010-04-21T15:32:00.001-04:00

On the eve of the 40th Birthday of Earth Day, we are beginning Bioengineering Group’s blog to exchange ideas on sustainable action. We are purposefully calling this year’s Earth Day a “birthday” versus an “anniversary.” It was the birth of a movement of environmental consciousness. And it’s going strong.

We believe the Earth is robust and, left alone, tries to repair itself. A great example is the natural recovery of one of the worst volcanic eruptions on US soil: Mount St. Helens. The May 2010 issue of National Geographic has done a terrific feature on it. Their headline says it all: “Thirty years after the blast, Mount St. Helens is reborn again.”

From day one, Bioengineering Group has been committed to promoting the concept of sustainability and reversing impacts that have damaged our environment. Therefore, we don’t like to use the words “protect our planet” as if it’s on life support; we prefer to use “restore our planet” instead. We know we can rethink the way we build and transact sustainability with every dollar we spend, site by site, project by project.

We created this 2-minute video, “Rethink | Sustainability,” to promote sustainability in honor of Earth Day’s 40th birthday. We look forward to hearing what YOU think about it.

Learn more. Be inspired. www.bioengineering.com/earthday

Earth Day's Birthday

2010-04-21T15:25:00.000-04:00

On the eve of Earth Day’s 40th Birthday, I had to share this article. Fred Kent is a venerable leader and a professional friend.

I thought you might like to read about his story as one of the coordinators of the first Earth Day back in 1970 and his positive impact since then.

Transformative Times: Earth Day 1970, Placemaking, and Sustainability Today

By Fred Kent

40 years ago this week, I coordinated the first Earth Day celebration in New York City. The city had never seen anything like it.

We were laying the groundwork for a new way of looking at the world--expanding the public's thinking beyond the limited vision that characterized fields like industry, economics, science and politics to embrace a much larger view of the whole planet.

Earth Day transformed New York-literally. To draw attention to protecting the environment in cities, we turned Fifth Avenue into a "place" by eliminating traffic from 59th Street to Union Square. People poured out of offices and apartments to walk down the middle of the most important street in New York on a beautiful spring day. (This was five years before I founded Project for Public Spaces, but you can see the idea was already germinating.)

It was a lot of fun for everyone, but also a potent symbol that this new movement could bring great, positive changes to our lives. And ideas born on the first Earth Day are coming to fruition today.

Read Full Article...