We are pleased to announce that the Harvard Real Estate project at the Harvard Memorial Church has earned LEED ® Commercial Interiors v3.0 Gold Certification as established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) verified the certification. LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
One of Harvard University’s most treasured landmarked structures, Harvard’s Memorial Church is an Interdenominational Protestant Church in the midst of Harvard Yard that serves as a place of spiritual refuge to the entire community. The Church stands opposite Widener Library as a visible reminder of the historical and spiritual heritage that has sustained Harvard for nearly four centuries.
Initially conceived as a project to provide year-round climate control to the sanctuary, the scope evolved to include expanded accessibility accommodations and revitalized the lower level of the Church as a destination for those seeking a moment’s respite during the day.
Working with the University, we designed the project in response to the USGBC’s efforts to promote and encourage the design, construction and operation of high-performance sustainable buildings. A once underutilized space lacking natural light, versatility and accessibility, the new lower level now has natural light flowing through the newly exposed windows as a result of the excavation of an exterior entrance ramp to accommodate people with disabilities. Additionally, the design maximizes open space, with private glass-walled offices surrounding the perimeter, while common areas cluster towards the center.
The original impetus for the project was to provide a mechanical upgrades for the Sanctuary adding new heating and cooling system. New air handling units (AHU) were provided to serve the Sanctuary and the back of the house respectively. The newly renovated lower level is served by an additional air handler as well as several fan coil units which allow offices and meeting spaces to be individually controlled. The Church’s renovations also provided air-conditioning to the complete building allowing functions to occur year round.
Sustainability Strategies:
reduction in energy use as prior to the renovations, while adding air-conditioning systems
of regularly occupied spaces have access to outside views
reduction in fixture water usage
reduction to the connected lighting power
of the spaces included occupancy sensors for the project connected lighting load
of the total building materials have been manufactured using recycled materials
Related:
Memorial Church renovations achieve LEED Gold certification
Renovation eyes evolving mission of Memorial Church
Design Process Provides a Modest Makeover
Slideshow: Memorial Church Celebrates New Student Oasis
Memorial Church’s Modest Makeover
At Harvard, The Memorial Church Upgrades Building Controls
Memorial Church Re-Opens With Fanfare
We are honored to share PAYETTE has received two 2026 Green Good Design Awards from The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies—Land’s Sake Farm and The Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT, and Harvard.
“Green GOOD DESIGN identifies and emphasizes the world’s most important examples of sustainable design and works to develop a public awareness program that informs the general public about which global companies are doing the best job in ecological and sustainable design for our world. Architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning projects, as well as product, packaging, and graphic design projects from over 30 nations were honored with the 2026 Green GOOD DESIGN Award.”
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