NERCC uses high efficiency equipment, receives rebate

The New England Regional Council of Carpenters (NERCC) recently received a rebate check in the amount of $103,880 from NSTAR Electric. The rebate was part of NSTAR’s Construction Solutions Program, which provides incentives for purchasing and installing high-efficiency equipment for us in commercial and industrial operations.

Before breaking ground at the NERCC’s new headquarters, the Carpenters Center, various rebate and incentive programs were examined as a means to not only cut costs, but improve overall efficiency over the lifetime of the building. NSTAR’s Construction Solutions Program was the best fit in terms of the lighting line and dealt specifically with the purchase of light fixtures and switches throughout the building.

In order to qualify for the program, certain terms and conditions had to be met. The project had to be completed in one year, in this case by May 11, 2010; the application had to be submitted with all paid invoices for material costs and labor; and a post installation verification had to be completed, verifying that the equipment was installed and consistent with sound engineering practices. The application had to be received and approved by NSTAR before construction began.

The lighting at the Carpenters Center has individual controls every regularly occupied space. Private and shared offices have two-level occupancy sensors, individual workstations have flexible, integrally-switched task lights, and classroom/conference spaces have multiple levels of switch controls to allow for adjustment of lighting levels in accordance with the activity happening in the space. By selecting incandescent lights with motion sensors and automatic shut off, the Carpenters Union hoped to save over 30% off of total annual consumption.

As part of its building plan, the Carpenters Union utilized its own Commissioning Study as an extra review process in the design and purchase of various elements throughout the building, including the lighting. This separate layer of review assured the Carpenters Union that the organization is given some kind of refund or equivalent in its operation on a daily basis, that true savings would be realized over the lifetime of the building.

Substantial completion of the project happened in January 2010, well ahead of the May deadline as set by the rebate parameters. With the deadline met and the application otherwise complete, the final step was to pass the post installation verification, during which a throughout audit of the system took place, with every fixture examined throughout the building. After passing the inspection, the rebate check was issued to NERCC.

The lighting line for the Carpenters Center, installed by union contractor McDonald Electric, was $217,000. After passing the final inspection, the NERCC was issued a check in the amount of $103,880. At the time the check was issued, representatives from the Carpenters Union were told that the check was one of the largest to be issued by NSTAR under this program.

“We have training programs for our members to learn the fundamentals of Green Building and prepare for LEED AP certification, however it’s very difficult to preach about the virtues of these practices if we’re not doing it ourselves at home,” notes David Dow, NECMLP Special Projects and Facilities.

“Here at the Carpenters Center we now have a great example of how a building can be Green and efficient. The rewards and benefits of good planning and good design will be realized well beyond this onetime rebate payment and will be seen over the lifetime of the building.”

Labor Secretary visits Carpenters Center

Joanne Goldstein, Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development paid a visit to the Carpenters Center this week to learn more about apprenticeship and upgrade training.

Last month, the Boston Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Fund was awarded a $166,000 grant to train and certify long-term unemployed carpenters in metal framing and drywall installation. The money originated from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, often referred to as the "Stimulus Bill. It was part of $1.2 million that was dispersed by the state to support “efforts to equip Massachusetts workers with 21st century economy skills.”

Reception for Wentworth graduates held at Carpenters Center

Reception for Wentworth graduates held at Carpenters Center

The New England Regional Council of Carpenters held a post-graduation celebration to recognize the twenty-nine union carpenters who graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Construction Management from Wentworth Institute of Technology.

The graduates and their families, along with representatives from NERCC and Wentworth, including Wentworth’s President Zorica Pantic gathered on the second floor of the Carpenters Center to celebrate the great achievement.

The twenty-nine carpenters were the first class to graduate since the NERCC launched this special program with Wentworth in the fall of 2008. The tailored program enables union carpenters to earn an Associate’s degree in Construction management from the prestigious school in as little as two years. The program gives members credit for completing a four-year apprenticeship in Massachusetts and could also give credit for other qualified classes members have taken.

NERCC Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark Erlich spoke at the event about one of the goals of the program, which is to bring on-the-job field experience back in to construction management.

“What I think we have done with this program is combine the best of both worlds. The industry does need people who are educated, it’s no longer just enough to come out of the field and apply your experience of supervision, you have to have computer skills, budgeting skills, a whole range of skills. That, to me, is the ultimate goal of this program: to fuse the educational skills that Wentworth provides with the hands-on, real life, practical skills that you’ve learned in the field."


NERCC Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark
Erlich and Wentworth President Zorica Pantic.

Erlich then congratulated the graduates. “My hat goes off to those of you who went through this program. This is not an easy program. Wentworth is a tremendously excellent educational institution and it is very demanding. They didn’t tailor their programs for us, we had to meet their standards. I want to congratulate and applaud you. Thank you all for what you do, because you are the future of the Carpenters Union.”

Following Erlich’s remarks, Wentworth’s President, Zorica Pantic, said a few words. “It is wonderful to be here and to see that the efforts that were started a couple of years ago came to fruition. In working with the Carpenters Union, we were able to develop a very demanding program and it is a great match between the needs of the carpenters’ profession and the practical education that Wentworth provides. We are very pleased, [the program] surpassed all of our wildest dreams.”

Boston Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Director Ben Tilton individually recognized each graduate handing them certificates, along with Erlich and Pantic, to recognize them for their great achievement. A small reception followed the speaking program.

NERCC, Carpenters Center featured in Dorchester Reporter

The Carpenters Union is a traditional organization that has been around for over a hundred years. While it has a very rich history, it is also very modern and innovative. The design of the Carpenters Centers celebrates both the history and the future of the Carpenters Union.

Reporter Matthew DeLuca, with the Dorchester Reporter, recently visited the Carpenters Center to get a closer at what he calls “the changing nature of unionism.”

In the lobby on the third floor of the new Carpenters Center at 750 Dorchester Avenue are sleek black chairs and hardwood floors and the receptionist behind her desk hums along to the radio on this quiet August afternoon. Beside the long counter of the reception desk is a small metal sculpture of a carpenter wielding a hammer that make one think more of a dentist’s office or the Museum of Contemporary Art than Woody Guthrie and Eugene V. Debs.

This idea, that unionism has changed in recent years, is reiterated again and again through the new building, both in details of its structure and design and by the people who work there.

To read the article, click here. You can also read the article on the Dorchester Reporter's website here.

Outstanding Student Eamonn Murphy featured on Wentworth website

Twenty-nine union carpenters graduated from the Arioch Center at Wentworth Institute of Technology with and Associate's Degree in Building Construction Management (read more here).

Graduate Eamonn Murphy, a twelve-year member of Local 33, was recognized as the Outstanding Associate Degree Student for the 2009-2010 academic year.

"I am extremely honored to be recognized as the Outstanding Student," said Murphy. "As I look back, however, I realize that my fellow students are all outstanding students. We encouraged each other and worked together collaboratively in accomplishing this goal."

Murphy first joined the Carpenters Union as an apprentice in 1998. When the opportunity arose to enroll in the Construction Management program at Wentworth, Murphy was enthusiastic about being able to continue his training and further advance his career.

"Obtaining a Construction Management degree from Wentworth was the logical choice in expanding my knowledge of the construction industry, and the program certainly provided that for me."

Murphy, along with many of his classmates that just received their Associate's Degree will be continuing on in to the Bachelor's Degree program.

Wentworth ran a student profile of Brother Murphy on their website.

Carpenters Graduate from Wentworth Institute of Technology

The New England Regional Council of Carpenters (NERCC) is proud to recognize and congratulate the 29 union carpenters who graduate this Sunday with and Associate's Degree in Building Construction Management from the Arioch Center at Wentworth Institute of Technology.

This is the first class to graduate since the NERCC launched this special program with Wentworth in the fall of 2008. The tailored program enables union carpenters to earn an Associate’s degree in Construction management from the prestigious school in as little as two years. The program gives members credit for completing a four-year apprenticeship in Massachusetts and could also give credit for other qualified classes members have taken.

Members also receive reduced tuition rates and may be eligible for financial aid, as they are full-fledged students of Wentworth. In January 2011 the program will be expanded, giving members the opportunity to earn their Bachelor’s Degree.

The program includes classes that provide technical knowledge, such as physics, construction graphics, construction law, and economics as well as those that teach the critical skills needed in a more professional environment, such as writing composition; leadership and management; and introduction to computers. Classes are held both on campus at Wentworth and at the Carpenters Center (as seen below).



The program offers tremendous opportunity for members and will put some of the practical on-the-job experience back into construction management. This is a true testament to the dedication of the Carpenters Union to lifelong training, improving the lives of working carpenters and the entire industry.

Congratulations to the graduates!

Sean Abraham, Local 275
David Aldrich, Local 40
Jonathan Aprile, Local 33
Krzysztof Barcikowski, Local 67
Duane Bastarache, Local 107
Michael Biasella, Local 40
Brian Burrill, Local 218
Joseph Byrne, Local 33
Michael Cormier, Local 275
*Nicholas Cuzzupe, Local 33
Anthony Harrington, Local 107
Patrick Hartigan, Local 111
Kimberly Hokanson, Local 275
Thomas Holt, Local 107
Zachary Jonsson, Local 1305
Scott Knowlton, Local 218
David Kulikowski, Local 67
Aaron Lacombe, Local 1305
Daniel Lovendale, Local 424
William Lynch, Local 67
John McGillicuddy, Local 33
Steven Monteiro, Local 26
**Eamonn Murphy, Local 33
Colin Murphy, Local 33
Shakil Oba, Local 40
Kevin Reynolds, Local 33
Michael Ryan, Local 67
Nathan Silvaggio, Local 94
Andrew Wall, Local 107

*Alumni Award recipient – recognizing students who achieve the highest grade point average in the program. Brother Cuzzupe finished with a 4.0 GPA

**Arioch Center Outstanding Associate Degree Student Award winner for the 2009-2010 academic year

Mass invests in carpenter training

The Boston Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Program will receive a $166,000 award from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, one of eight programs to receive money for workforce training, Governor Deval Patrick’s office announced today.

Governor Patrick, Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Joanne Goldstein and other state officials awarded a total of $1.2 million in Federal stimulus money to support “efforts to equip Massachusetts workers with 21st century economy skills.”

The money awarded to the Boston program, based at the Carpenters Center in Dorchester, will fund drywall training and certification for long-term unemployed carpenters.

McCarron visits the Carpenters Center

UBC General President Douglas McCarron was in Boston today with General Secretary-Treasurer Andy Silins and ITC Director Bill Irwin to meet with AGC member contractors from throughout New England. McCarron and Operating Engineers General President Vincent Giblin have been regularly meeting with AGC members around the country to talk about the National Construction Alliance.

While he was here, we got a chance to ask the General President a few questions about the NCA, the UBC and the future of the construction industry.

Carpenters Center recognized as special part of Dorchester neighborhood

Earl Taylor, special correspondant to the Dorchester Reporter, recognizes the Carpenters Center as an important landmark and part of the neighborhood's history.

When they hear that I’m from Dorchester, new acquaintances tell me they know they are in my neighborhood when they see the painted gas tank as they drive along the Southeast Expressway. This shallow impression of Dorchester feels nearly as much of an insult as the frequency of crime news in Dorchester even when the address identified is clearly in Roxbury or the South End. But when life gives me lemons, I know how to make lemonade. So let’s jump into the SUV and view Dorchester history from the landmarks along the Expressway.

Dorchester, with three exits going south on the Expressway and four going north, is the largest of Boston’s neighborhoods. Some state capitals have fewer exits. Of course, we have to decide what Dorchester includes. Statisticians refer to North Dorchester, South Dorchester, and Mattapan. All three of these were part of the town of Dorchester when it was annexed to Boston on January, 1, 1870. The same territory is divided into five zip codes -- 02121, 02122, 02124, 02125, and 02126, and its 127,000 residents who live in 23,000 buildings are represented by many city councilors and numerous state representatives. The area is very diverse in all categories of age, gender, and ethnic origin. If Dorchester were a separate city it would be New England’s sixth most populous exceeding even New Haven in Connecticut. Portland, Maine, comes in at about only 64,000 residents, Concord, New Hampshire at about only 40,700.

Traveling south through Boston, coming out of the tunnel we first begin to rise to the crest of the highway. Looking off to the left after the huge parking garage we can see a white tower on top of a hill called Dorchester Heights, reminding us that South Boston was part of Dorchester until the major piece of it broke off in 1804 and Washington Village followed in 1854. The monument commemorates the fortification of Dorchester Heights when the Neck (South Boston) was still part of Dorchester. The action scared the Brits so much they decided to scurry off to Nova Scotia, leaving us to celebrate Evacuation Day (St. Patrick’s Day).

When the highway begins to descend back to ground level, we notice the low flat area that was once Boston’s South Bay, a tidal inlet that has disappeared under the T bus garages and the South Bay Shopping Center on the west. Dorchester, on the southern border of the old South Bay, once had a coastline/waterfront stretching from Mill Brook Creek, separating Roxbury and Dorchester at the southern end of the South Bay, around Dorchester Neck (South Boston), the Calf Pasture (Columbia Point), Savin Hill, Commercial Point and Port Norfolk where the Neponset separated Dorchester from its southern neighbors Quincy and Milton, the latter of which was once part of Dorchester. In its early years Dorchester had a number of water-powered mills, both river mills and tide mills. To operate a tide mill, the miller created a dam with gates in an inlet. When the tide came in, the gates would swing inward to allow the flow to fill the pond. When the tide turned, the force of the water would close the gates, and the miller could use the water in the pond to power his mill.

The new building of the New England Regional Council of Carpenters sitting on the west side of the highway is a reminder that Dorchester is home to many labor union locals and other employee organizations.

Read the rest of the article by clicking here.

As Seen on the LED

Common Boston Photo Project Winners:

As Seen on the LED

Common Boston Photo Project Winners:

As Seen on the LED

Common Boston Photo Project Winners:

As Seen on the LED

Common Boston Photo Project Winners:

As Seen on the LED

Common Boston Photo Project Winners:

Common Boston and the Carpenters Center team up for photo contest

Common Boston, a volunteer committee of the Boston Society of Architects that organizes Boston’s only free, public festival that opens up city to celebrate architecture and design in our neighborhoods, has teamed up with the Carpenters Center in a photography contest, with winners' work to be displayed on the LED screen.

Each year, Common Boston features events around a number of “common points” which are areas of activity, typically focused within one of Boston’s many neighborhoods. Programs are centered around neighborhoods to enable the general public to explore good design that has benefited their communities, while also allowing designers to connect with specific communities regarding their ideas for future projects. They organize active programming with the goal of upholding our mission to inspire people who live and work in the Boston area to collectively and effectively shape a sustainable, equitable, and beautiful built environment.

Common Boston Week 2010 will open up the city for its fourth annual event this June 17-27, 2010. The week will feature a rich program of more than forty open buildings, neighborhood tours, exhibits, and events concentrated in six “common points” around the city. This year’s featured neighborhoods are Chinatown, East Boston, Fort Point Channel, Jamaica Plain, Lower Roxbury, and Uphams Corner.

As part of this year's events, Common Boston has teamed up with the Carpenters Center on a photography contest to "showcase the often invisible process behind the building of our physical landscape."

From the Common Boston Photo Project website:

Common Boston invite submissions of photos that tell the story of how places and physical communities are built. We are specifically looking for construction photos –those that suggest how we connect with buildings on a visceral level through their making. The best photos will ideally demonstrate how the making and construction of buildings strengthens community within their neighborhoods.

Photos must be from somewhere with an address in Boston and preferably from the neighborhoods that we will be featuring during Common Boston Week 2010-Chinatown, East Boston, Fort Point Channel, Jamaica Plain, Lower Roxbury, and Uphams Corner.

Look for contest winner’s submissions on the Carpenters Center LED screen and on this website later this week. You can also see web gallery submissions by visiting http://www.cpphotoproject.org/ .

Governor Patrick's visit to the Carpenters Center

Following is video taken during Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick's visit to the Carpenters Center where he held a monthly meeting of his cabinet.

Governor holds cabinet meeting, tours Carpenters Center

Earlier today, Governor Deval Patrick held a cabinet meeting at the Carpenters Center. Following the meeting, the Governor, along with various cabinet members, toured the facility.

The group made a stop at the Boston Training Center on the first floor to get a first hand look at training happening at the facility, specifically the Best Practices in Health Care Construction training course. He spoke with instructors and carpenters currently taking the class.

Below are pictures from the Governor’s visit.

Flag raising at the Carpenters Center

Eleven members of the UBC who are also military veterans gathered at the Carpenters Center this morning to raise a new flag and remember those who have given their lives to serve our country. The flag was flown over the US Capitol and was raised in observance of this weekend's Memorial Day holiday.

Joining NERCC Executive-Secretary Treasurer Mark Erlich were: Shayne Cossette (LU 67), Martin Higgins(LU 67), Steve Tewksbury (LU 67), Justin Blackman (LU 40), Stephen Smith (LU 67), Corey Rinalda (LU 33)Dave Robicheau (LU 40), William Murray (LU 33), Patrick Cummings LU 67), Doug Wilkins (LU 33), and Patrick McBrine (LU 33).

Erlich presented the flag to Cossette and Higgings, who attached the flag and raised it in front of the building.

Training

Approximately 4,500 members in our training facilities each year are experienced carpenters upgrading or expanding their skill sets.

Training First and Foremost

With 22,000 well-trained men and women across New England, we guarantee a deep pool of qualified workers for every type of project. Our apprenticeship proram continues to generate the workforce of the future. More than 6,000 carpenters are taught each year by nearly 100 expert instructors at our training facilities throughout New England. Those apprentices graduate prepared for a career, not just a job.

Carpenters Center celebrated by BISNOW

The Boston edition of BISNOW--an online publication serving the real estate and design industry--has featured the Carpenters Center in a recent edition. (free registration required)

The building is described as being "impressive," "vibrant" and "well worth the wait." It praises the juxtaposition of "traditional and subtle with muted colors and glazed cubes meeting the street where small residences and stores predominate" and "its sweeping roof line, emphatic colors, and giant LED screen projecting messages to SE Xway drivers" all of which "speaks to their determination to be part of the future."

Connecticut contract ratified by members

Members of the three carpentry Local Unions in Connecticut voted to ratify the proposed collective bargaining agreement in meetings held Friday night. More than 90% of voting members voted to approve the agreement and suggested allocations.

New hourly rates went into effect May 2. For information about new rates, contact the Contractor Relations Department at the New England Regional Council of Carpenters or one of the Local Unions in Connecticut.

The one-year agreement provides a $1.50 increase in the total wage and benefit package. Eighty cents will be added immediately with the remaining $0.70 being added in November.

Further allocation is as follows: contributions to the pension fund are being increased by $0.75 per hour in May and $0.25 in November. Also in May, $0.03 per hour is being added to wages and $0.02 per hour will be added to contributions to the UBC Training Fund. In November, $0.45 is being added to hourly contributions to the health fund.

As seen on the LED - Workers Memorial Day Rally

On April 28th, 2010, families and friends of those who have died or been injured on the job, gathered in front of the State House on Beacon Hill in Boston, MA to commemorate those who have died and to rally for legislation demanding safer work conditions.

As seen on the LED

Carpenters Going Green: Point Breakdown Category 3- Energy and Atmosphere
8 Points Attained

1. Optimize Energy Performance Exceed the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers ASHRAE 90.1 Energy Standard by 10.5%
2. Optimize Energy Performance Exceed ASHRAE 90.1 by 14%
3. Optimize Energy Performance Exceed ASHRAE 90.1 by 17.5%
4. Optimize Energy Performance Exceed ASHRAE 90.1 by 21%
5. Optimize Energy Performance Exceed ASHRAE 90.1 by 24.5%
6. Optimize Energy Performance Exceed ASHRAE 90.1 by 28%
7. Optimize Energy Performance Exceed ASHRAE 90.1 by 31.5%



The Carpenters Center was modeled in order to predict how much the design of the building would save money in energy use per year. Comparing it to a typical building using the ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Energy Standard, the project uses 31.5% less energy then a typical building



8. Enhanced Refrigerant Management - all HVAC units for this project are specified to use R-410a refrigerant, and therefore do not use either Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or Hydrofluorocarbons (HCFC) refrigerants.

For more information, click on the links in the right column under the heading "Carpenters Going Green"

As Seen on the LED Display

Carpenters Going Green: Point Breakdown Category 1- Sustainable Sites
8 Points Attained

1. Site Selection - the site was formerly developed and consists entirely of an existing building and paving.

2. Development Density and Community Connectivity - a dense urban site. Within a .5 mile radius of the building’s main entrance there are at least 2 zones that can be designated as residential zones and many basic services within pedestrian access. Basic services include retail, grocery, banks, restaurants, places of worship, schools and a fire station.

3. Public Transportation Access - located .4 miles from Andrews Station and .3 miles from JFK/UMass. MBTA bus stop in front of building.



4. Bicycle Storage and Changing Rooms -providing covered and secured bicycle storage for a minimum of 5% of the peak building users. The bike racks are located in bike storage room on Level 1 of the garage. One showering facility is required for the 167 occupents - located on level 2 of building.

5. Low-Emission & Fuel Efficient Vehicles - providing preferred parking spaces for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles for 5% of the total parking capacity. Spaces will be signed for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles and will be close to main entrance.

6. Stormwater Design – the project will capture and treat 90% of the average annual rainfall and remove 80% of total suspended solids. There are five 8’ diameter drywells surrounded in crushed stone that will act as a retention system with capacity for infiltration.



7. Heat Island Effect – Non-Roof - 50% of the site hardscape (roads, sidewalks, courtyards and parking lots) have a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of at least 29. 63.9% of the project’s hardscape meets that minimum by using a light grey concrete (parking garage deck).

8. Heat Island Effect – Roof - A white high albedo roof for the entire surface – Carlisle SynTec’s Sure-weld TPO white membrane roofing. The roof has a Solar Reflectance Index of 110, which exceeds minimum requirement of SRI 78.



For more information, click on the links in the right column under the heading "Carpenters Going Green"

As Seen on the LED Display

Carpenters Going Green - Category 5 - Indoor Enviornmental Quality

Prerequisite - Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control – the entire building has been designated as non-smoking. Any exterior smoking must be 25 feet away from entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows.

1. Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring – the building is designed with a permanent CO2 monitoring system in all higher occupancy spaces

2. Increased Ventilation - designed to comply by allowing the mechanical system to provide breathing zone outdoor air ventilation rates and at least 30% above the minimum rates

3. Construction IAQ Management Plan – During Construction Suffolk Construction is committed to implementing a construction IAQ management plan in accordance with LEED requirements

4. Low-Emitting Materials – Adhesives and Sealants (VOC limits) Specified adhesives and sealants that comply with the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule #1168 and Green Seal Standard

5. Low-Emitting Materials – Paints and Coatings (VOC limits) Project uses paints and coatings inside the building envelope that complies with the Green Seal Standard GS-11 for paints and primers Standard GS-03 for anti-corrosive paints and the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1113 for finishes, stains, and sealer



6. Low-Emitting Materials – Carpet Systems (CRI Green label program and VOC limits). The project uses carpets and carpet cushions that meet the testing and product requirements of the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label Plus Program. All of the carpet’s adhesives will meet VOC limits.



7. Low-Emitting Materials – Composite Wood and Agrifiber Products - Will not use composite wood and agrifiber products that contain urea-formaldehyde resins inside the building’s envelope.

8. Lighting – individual controls for 90% of occupants. There are lighting controls for every regularly occupied space. Private and shared offices have two-level occupancy sensors, individual workstations have flexible, integrally-switched task lights, and classroom/conference spaces have multiple levels of switch controls to allow for adjustment of lighting levels in accordance with the activity.



9. Thermal Comfort Design - targets to maintain 75 degrees and 50% relative humidity in the summer and 72 degrees in the winter.

For more information, click on the links in the right column under the heading "Carpenters Going Green"

This week at the Carpenters Center

This week at the Carpenters Center, members are participating in a training class to help them contain pathogens, protect patients and perform work within active health care facilities without disrupting operations. "Best Practices in Health-Care Construction in Occupied Facilities" is a program developed by the UBC in conjunction with noted infection experts to develop carpenter skills and awareness that benefit both contractors and the facilities in which they work.

You can learn more about the program's development here. An introductory video about the program can be viewed here.

The first session for carpenters was held about a year ago in Connecticut. Since then, training sessions have been held for apprentices and journey level carpenters in different areas of New England.

Look for the program to expand and gain acceptance among safety-minded facilities who are looking to reduce risk to their patients.

Pictured: Carpenters work on creating safe work environments in active health care facilities, for example, creating a properly contained space to replace a soiled ceiling tile.

Images from grand opening

On March 16, 2010, the new Carpenters Center hosted its ribbon cutting ceremony. Nearly 400 guests were in attendance. Mark Erlich, NERCC Executive Secretary-Treasurer, opened up the event by welcoming guests to the Carpenters Center. Speakers Andy Silins, UBC General Secretary-Treasurer, Mayor Thomas Menino, and Governor Deval Patrick, congratulated the carpenters on their new home and training facility.

Carpenters Center grand opening

Carpenters Center: From start to finish

Carpenters Go Green

Carpenters Union opens new headquarters in Dorchester

As reported by Jon Chesto in today's Patriot Ledger:

BOSTON — New England union opens a new headquarters in Dorchester

Motorists on the Southeast Expressway are passing a new landmark on their commutes in and out of Boston: the new three-story headquarters for the New England Regional Council of Carpenters.

The 75,000-square-foot building’s exterior has essentially two faces: a modern wall along the highway and a more traditional cedar-paneled facade that can be seen from the neighborhood. Union spokesman Bert Durand said the mix was intentional, partly as a courtesy to the union’s residential neighbors and partly as a reflection of the union membership’s varied range of skills.

The most distinct feature is a 30-foot tall digital sign that can be seen from the expressway. The sign’s LED lights can quickly be reprogrammed to show a new image. The union is using the sign to promote the carpentry trade, as well as providing public service announcements and supporting favored political candidates.

The carpenters council relocated last month from its old headquarters on Summer Street in South Boston. The new building allowed the union to move its training facility from Brighton, as well as other operations, under one roof within the past few weeks.

The carpenters union had been looking for a new location for at least a decade, union officials said. Durand said the union also considered locations in South Boston’s marine industrial park and on Morrissey Boulevard.

The current site at 750 Dorchester Ave. was picked for several reasons, including the ample parking, visibility and easy highway access. The property is also convenient to the Red Line, as it sits between the Andrew Square and JFK/UMass stops.

The union bought the property in 2008 from an owner of Dirigo Spice for more than $5 million, although the site had fallen into disuse. The structure was originally built in the 1940s as a laundry for the Archdiocese of Boston. The old building was gutted and its second story was removed, and the carpenters used the first floor as a foundation to build a new second level and a third level.

Mark Erlich, the council’s executive secretary-treasurer, said the union spent about $19 million on construction. More than 900 union members participated in the construction project in some way, as subcontractors, apprentices or volunteers, Erlich said. “We want our members to feel like it’s their building,” he said.

To view the article online, including pictures, click here.

A Look Inside - The History Wall

There are various touches throughout the facility that not only highlight carpenters work but add character to the building. One such feature is the History Wall located on the second floor.

Fourteen sepia-toned photographic images, mounted on ¾” Plexiglas, hang on the walls starting at the second floor lobby and running down the hall in to the open area at the communicating stair that connects the first and second floors.



Twelve of the images are mounted on 3’x6’ panels and two images, which mark the beginning of the History Wall in the lobby, stretch across six 3’x6’ panels.



A memorial to the trade and its workers, the images date back to 1881 and run through present day, including three shots taken during the construction of the Carpenters Center.



The History Wall celebrates the membership of the Carpenters Union and the evolution of the craft through the years.

Then and now

January 2009


February 2010


January 2009


February 2010


January 2009


February 2010

Business Solutions Center to open next week

First Trade Union Bank will open a Business Solutions Center on the second floor of the Carpenters Center. The new banking center will officially open its doors for business on Tuesday, February 16th, 2010. The bank will be open five days a week, Monday-Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM ET on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays and will be open from 9:30 to 5:30 PM ET on Thursdays.

The banking center is designed to provide a wide range of financial services. Union officials and contractors are invited to stop by to discuss business banking needs, from checking accounts and cash management to the full portfolio of lending products, which includes SBA programs. From checking and savings accounts to mortgages and Online Banking, First Trade can also meet all of your personal banking needs. The Bank provides customized products and programs for union members so make sure to stop by to learn more.

A full-service ATM will be located next to the Bank and a computer kiosk inside will allow First Trade customers to do their banking online at ftub.com during business hours.

The banking center will be staffed with a full-time, experienced banking professional to assist with all business and personal banking needs. Other banking professionals will be available by appointment.

Carpenters Center Occupant Addresses

New England Regional Council of Carpenters
750 Dorchester Ave., Unit 1
Boston, MA 02125-1132

New England Carpenters Labor Management Program
750 Dorchester Ave., Suite 3100
Boston, MA 02125-1132

Pile Drivers Local 56
750 Dorchester Ave., Suite 3200
Boston, MA 02125-1132

Mill/Cabinet Local 51
750 Dorchester Ave., Suite 3300
Boston, MA 02125-1132

Wood Frame Local 723
750 Dorchester Ave., Suite 3400
Boston, MA 02125-1132

Floorcoverers JATC
750 Dorchester Ave., Suite 3500
Boston, MA 02125-1132

Boston Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Center
750 Dorchester Ave., Unit 2
Boston, MA 02125-1132

First Trade Union Bank
750 Dorchester Ave., Suite 2100
Boston, MA 02125-1132

Vision Center
750 Dorchester Ave., Suite 2200
Boston, MA 02125-1132

Office staff moved in to third floor

Last week furniture was delivered and assembled on the third floor of the building. NERCC staff moved from the previously leased space in South Boston in to the third floor over this past weekend. Additionally, staff from Piledrivers Local 56, Shop and Millmen Local 51, and Woodframe Local 723 have also moved their offices to the third floor.


Third room conference room.
Notice the view through the transparent LED sign.

Furniture assembly and move-in for office staff of the Boston Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training Fund on the second floor will begin next week.


Second floor pavilion/lobby area.

Move-in begins

Carpenters with Interstate Office Partitions are finalizing work on the third floor assembling office furniture. At the same time, staff from the New England Regional Council of Carpenters has started to move in to their office space on the floor. The move is scheduled to be complete by the end of this weekend.

There are some final punch list items to be completed by subcontractors throughout the building, all items are scheduled to be complete by the end of next week. A few items that will be finished this spring include landscaping, fencing and exterior painting at the terrace (including handrails).

The FFE (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) work on the second and first floors will be coordinated by the Boston JATC and are scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks.

First and third floors complete

Volunteer members from Local 2168 have been installing wood flooring on the second floor.

Before floor installation began, crews working for Allegheny Contract Flooring completed preparatory work on the existing concrete floor (see past post and video).

Floorlayers working for Pavilion Floors have completed installation of carpet in the office spaces, vinyl flooring in storage rooms, and cork flooring in break rooms. Walnut wood flooring is currently being installed by Local 2168 volunteers in the main lobby, corridors and the communicating stair connecting the second floor to the first floor.



Final touch-up painting is scheduled for completion on the first floor later today. While that is going on, crews with Pavilion Floor are completing the vinyl base board work.

With the first floor painting complete, the crew will move up to the second floor to complete the final coat and touch up work. As on the first floor, Pavilion Floor will then install the vinyl baseboard. Baseboard is a functional feature that covers the joint between the wall surface (drywall) and the floor.

In areas where there is wood flooring, wood baseboard will be installed by carpenters working for Archer Corporation. The wood baseboard was manufactured by carpenters at the Millwork One factory located in Rhode Island.

By the end of the work day today, the first and third floors will be complete. The second floor is expected to be complete by the end of next week.

Certificate of Occupancy (temporary) Issued

As of Thursday, January 14, 2010 the City of Boston’s Inspectional Services issued a Certificate of Occupancy (temporary).

The certificate is temporary because there is additional work, which does not affect life-safety issues, to be performed in the building.

This clears the way for furniture, files, and all other items to be moved into the building.

A final certificate will be issued when all work is complete.

Carpenters Going Green: Point Breakdown Category 5- Indoor Environmental Quality

9 points Attained

Prerequisite - Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control – the entire building has been designated as non-smoking. Any exterior smoking must be 25 feet away from entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows.

1. Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring – the building is designed with a permanent CO2 monitoring system in all higher occupancy spaces

2. Increased Ventilation - designed to comply by allowing the mechanical system to provide breathing zone outdoor air ventilation rates and at least 30% above the minimum rates

3. Construction IAQ Management Plan – During Construction Suffolk Construction is committed to implementing a construction IAQ management plan in accordance with LEED requirements

4. Low-Emitting Materials – Adhesives and Sealants (VOC limits) Specified adhesives and sealants that comply with the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule #1168 and Green Seal Standard

5. Low-Emitting Materials – Paints and Coatings (VOC limits) Project uses paints and coatings inside the building envelope that complies with the Green Seal Standard GS-11 for paints and primers Standard GS-03 for anti-corrosive paints and the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1113 for finishes, stains, and sealer



6. Low-Emitting Materials – Carpet Systems (CRI Green label program and VOC limits). The project uses carpets and carpet cushions that meet the testing and product requirements of the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label Plus Program. All of the carpet’s adhesives will meet VOC limits.



7. Low-Emitting Materials – Composite Wood and Agrifiber Products - Will not use composite wood and agrifiber products that contain urea-formaldehyde resins inside the building’s envelope.

8. Lighting – individual controls for 90% of occupants. There are lighting controls for every regularly occupied space. Private and shared offices have two-level occupancy sensors, individual workstations have flexible, integrally-switched task lights, and classroom/conference spaces have multiple levels of switch controls to allow for adjustment of lighting levels in accordance with the activity.



9. Thermal Comfort Design - targets to maintain 75 degrees and 50% relative humidity in the summer and 72 degrees in the winter.

Project Update: first and second floor work continues

A few projects have been completed in the pavilion entrance of the building including the installation of the reception desk, painting, and flooring. The flooring in this area includes stone tile on the main floor and wood on the the stair treads connecting the entrance to the second floor.

The wood chosen for the Pavilion stairway is called Ipe. Ipe, pronounced "ee-pee," is also known as "Brazilian Hardwood" and is one of the hardest woods known to man. It is a deep dark brown colored wood with exceptionally fine graining. It is one of the densest woods available and is fire resistant. The exterior stairs are also being laminated with Ipe.



Fourteen welding booths have been received and installed in the welding area. This is located on the Northeast portion of the building and the large glass windows makes this training area visible to those traveling on the Expressway.


Meanwhile, interior signage has been hung throughout the building. These include office numbers, room names (i.e. electrical closet, pump room), non-electric life and safety signs (exit signs), floorplan signs, and fire alarm pull switches.



Finished lighting fixtures, which are complete on the third floor, are being installed on the second floor.


Elevator inspections were held last week. Each elevator (passenger, freight, and wheel chair lift) passed inspection. Fire alarm inspections are scheduled to happen this week. Boston Inspectional Services will conduct initial inspections and provide a temporary certificate of occupancy, which will give clearance for furniture to be moved in to the space. The Final inspection is slated for January 28th.