Genzyme Corp. has opened its new Science Center in Framingham, Mass.  The facility serves as a central site for early stage research, where scientists are utilizing the most advanced technologies available to discover novel new treatments for devastating diseases such as Parkinson’s, cancer, and heart disease.  The company also announced that the Science Center has received a Gold certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™.  It is one of only 10 laboratories to achieve this high rating.      “Genzyme exists to innovate, and the Science Center reflects this purpose,” stated Henri A. Termeer, Genzyme’s chairman and chief executive officer.  “The work done at this facility will ensure that we can continue to bring forward therapies to significantly improve patients’ lives and will help support the company’s long-term growth.  I am so proud of our scientists who discover and make possible life-saving medicines.” Researchers at the Science Center focus on a variety of medical areas including genetic diseases, cancer, immune diseases, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, endocrinology and neurological disorders.  In their work to develop new treatments, they utilize a range of technologies, such as proteins, antibodies, cell therapy and gene therapy. Genzyme’s core R&D operations are located in Framingham.  Genzyme also has an R&D site in Waltham, Mass., for polymer and small molecule research and a facility in Cambridge, U.K., focused on monoclonal antibody research.

Science Center Features

The Science Center incorporates environmentally responsible and employee-friendly design strategies similar to those in the company’s landmark headquarters, Genzyme Center.  Offices and labs surround the 180,000-square-foot building’s six-story central atrium and are connected by open meeting spaces to foster collaboration.  At capacity, approximately 350 employees will occupy the Science Center, which has direct views of the outdoors for most employees. The building’s green features include a sophisticated heating and cooling system, high-efficiency fume hoods for researchers, and low-flow water fixtures.  The extensive use of glass reduces electricity needs and contributes to a pleasant working environment by allowing a large amount of natural light inside.  It is estimated that the Science Center uses 26 percent less energy and 40 percent less water than a comparable conventional building. The architect for the project was ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge Inc., the engineer was Bard, Rao & Athanas Consulting Engineers Inc. and the contractor was Bovis Lend Lease LMB Inc.  The total cost of the building was $125 million.  Dating back to the 1989 merger with Integrated Genetics Inc., Genzyme’s presence in Framingham now represents the company’s largest concentration of employees worldwide.  With approximately 2,000 employees located in 14 buildings on the campus, Genzyme occupies more than 1 million square feet of space.