Weld Hill Research Building

The Weld Hill Research Building exemplifies Harvard University’s commitment to sustainability. This 45,000 square foot building is home to the Arboretum’s science program, associated staff and administrators. The building has a LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council and has expanded Harvard’s capacity to conduct research on plants across a range of disciplines. The facility includes twelve greenhouses, state-of-the-art laboratories, growth chambers, study areas, and offices. The Weld Hill site is located directly adjacent to the Arnold Arboretum, a 280-acre National Historic Landmark, which is part of the “Emerald Necklace” designed by renown Landscape Architect Frederick Law Olmsted in 1870’s.   

Green served as the civil engineering consultant on this landmark project. Our work included a major earthwork effort to regrade the top of Weld Hill so that a field of closed-loop geothermal wells could be installed for heating and cooling of the building. We also designed new sewer and water services into Centre Street. In addition, we were responsible for permitting the project with the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC), the Public Improvement Commission (PIC) of the Boston Public Works Department, and the Boston Conservation Commission. Lastly, we provided construction contract administration assistance for the project.