Genzyme Celebrates Opening of New Global Headquarters

One of the Most Environmentally Responsible Office Buildings in United States

26-Apr-2004

Cambridge, Mass. - Genzyme Corp. celebrated the opening of its new global headquarters, Genzyme Center, an innovative building that combines bold design and sophisticated technology to create an attractive and highly functional workplace for over 900 employees. The grand opening was held during national Earth Day events, to highlight Genzyme Center's status as one of the most environmentally responsible office buildings ever constructed in the United States.

U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, architect Stefan Behnisch and Lyme Properties Managing Director David Clem joined Genzyme Chairman and CEO Henri A. Termeer in addressing Genzyme employees and over 400 leaders from the local business, political, environmental, medical, and life-science communities.

"Genzyme Center was designed from the inside out, with employees in mind," said Mr. Termeer. "We wanted to create a place where people could interact with each other more readily and communicate more easily, where they could work comfortably and productively. We also wanted the building to be as responsible as possible, which led us to pursue very high environmental standards. Genzyme exists to innovate, and Genzyme Center reflects this purpose."

Genzyme is seeking the highest possible rating ("platinum") for Genzyme Center from the U.S. Green Building Council. Genzyme Center would become the first commercial office building ever to earn the platinum rating under the Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System. The building already has received awards from the Environmental Protection Agency, the American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment, the Association of General Contractors, the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association and the Environmental Business Council of New England.

"How appropriate it is to celebrate Earth Day with the opening of this truly remarkable building," said Sen. Kennedy. "Genzyme is to be commended for making this commitment to the environment, to its employees, and to the life sciences industry in Massachusetts."

Gov. Romney said, "Massachusetts is proud to have innovative companies like Genzyme setting the standard for biotechnology across the globe. Massachusetts is working diligently to provide biotech companies the support they need to grow and thrive, from targeted tax rebates for new manufacturing jobs to fast track permitting."

Designed by the German architectural firm Behnisch, Behnisch & Partner, Genzyme Center is a twelve-story, 350,000-square-foot building located in Cambridge's Kendall Square, a world-class center for biomedical research and innovation.

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