Devens Sustainable Indicators Report Identifies Progress and Opportunities for Efficiency, Sustainability in Redevelopment

June 06, 2013

Contacts:
Peter Lowitt, Devens Enterprise Commission, 978-772-8831
PLowitt@devensec.com
Kelsey Abbruzzese, MassDevelopment, 617-330-2086 & 617-448-9077 (cell)
kabbruzzese@massdevelopment.com

The Devens Enterprise Commission, with the assistance of the University of Massachusetts, has released an updated report on the redevelopment of Devens designed to measure and evaluate progress in seven sustainability areas – economy, social sustainability, governance, public health, transportation, natural resources, and environmental quality. The 2012 Sustainable Indicators Report is a follow-up to a 2000 report that reviewed the progress Devens had made toward the Devens Reuse Plan goal of Sustainable Redevelopment. Results of the study will be used by MassDevelopment, the DEC and the Devens Eco-Efficiency Center to increase the mutually beneficial collaborations with other Devens organizations to improve efficiency and competitiveness and further the goal of Sustainable Redevelopment within the Devens Regional Enterprise Zone. The report finds progress in the bulk of the 44 sustainability indicators, with the largest leaps in community participation, miles of trails, percentage of commuters using alternatives to driving, and percentage of sustainable buildings. The full report is available at: www.devensec.com/sustain.html.

“The Commission is pleased that the results of the Sustainable Indicators Report show continued progress towards implementing our communities’ Reuse Plan,” said Bill Marshall, chair of the Devens Enterprise Commission. “The goal and organizing theme of Devens’ redevelopment is to make Devens into a model of sustainable development for the Commonwealth. The Indicator’s Report provides objective, measurable criteria on which to judge our progress to date. We intend to use the report to address areas where we can continue to improve and maintain our progress.”

Since 2000, the number of organizations based in Devens has increased from 60 to 95. The UMass Donahue Institute found in a 2012 study that two of every three Devens organizations are in the private sector; MassDevelopment will release an Institute update of this study June 28.

“These indicators will play a key role in determining how to increase collaboration and to make Devens more sustainable,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “Those who work in Devens share our commitment to the environment, and we look forward to making Devens even more attractive by building on that foundation.”

Located in north-central Massachusetts and managed by MassDevelopment, Devens is home to a varied mix of businesses, government organizations, and nonprofits employing more than 3,200 people. Created by statute in 1993 to support business growth and attract economic development opportunities in the region, the 4,400-acre site features fast-track permitting and other incentives for businesses. The former military installation is recognized today as a national model for military base redevelopment. Along with its business tenants, the Devens community also includes more than 2,100 acres of recreation and open space, private residences, schools, and a network of human and social services providers.