Blue Cross Building (Providence) Blue Cross Building (Providence)

Type: Green Roof, Cistern

Use: Commercial

Installer: Dimeo Construction of Providence

Designer/Developer: Symmes Maini & McKee Associates

Installation Date: 2009

The LEED certified building utilizes new technologies to save energy and promote a healthy environment. Twenty five percent of the roof is vegetated. The vegetated areas are located on the first and third floor and are accessible to employees. The green roofs will reduce water runoff through plant uptake and aid in insulating the building as well as reduce the heat island effect produced by the surrounding urban area.

On the top floor of the building, there are three huge tanks that collect 2,000 gallons each (6,000 gallons total) of roof runoff. Most of this water comes from the roof above, while some of the water is pumped up from excess runoff that was not absorbed into the vegetation on the lower roofs. This water is then used for the cooling system of the building.

Other green friendly practices include a compost and recycling station, recycled or recyclable furnishings, nine foot windows that harvest daylight to save energy, plumbing features that will reduce water consumption by 30%, and encouraging the use of alternative forms of transportation with preferred parking for hybrids and bicycles.

Address: 500 Exchange Street, Providence, 02903