The Biological Box Office

There is a new project underway in Providence, Rhode Island that takes used shipping containers and turns them into office space.  The "Box Office" is an office development that is inspired by the dismal economic situation at hand.  With thousands of empty shipping containers piling up because of the U.S. trade deficit, owner and developer of the project Peter Gill Case believes that now is an opportunity to promote green building and offer high quality design in an economy that demands affordability.  Using 25 percent less energy than conventional new office buildings, this project plans on using no fossil fuels for heating.  Along with using efficient duel-source lighting, the Box Office will also use bio-swales to reduce storm water runoff by 67 percent.  Tenants will also be provided with “green lease” economic incentives to maximize the energy performance of the building.

Story suggested by Jonathan Phillips. 

Image: "Containers on Deck" by Blue Ship on Flickr courtesy of Creative Commons Licensing