Catalyze partners with Davis and Boston Development Group to launch advanced solar and storage project at 66 Galen Street

Catalyze, a leader in the clean energy transition, has officially commenced operations of its pioneering solar and storage project at 66 Galen Street, Watertown, Massachusetts. This development, a collaborative effort with Davis and Boston Development Group (BDG), signifies a major step forward in integrating sustainable energy solutions into commercial and industrial infrastructure. The 224,106 square-foot Class A life science building now features a 252 kWdc solar array, a 125 kW energy storage system, and a modern set of 15-port electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, underscoring a significant investment in renewable energy and technology.

Jared Haines, CEO of Catalyze, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s launch, emphasizing its role in demonstrating the company’s commitment to innovative and sustainable development. “The completion of the 66 Galen facility underscores Davis’ and Boston Development Group’s dedication to creating modern, sustainable spaces that elevate communities,” Haines noted. This project not only aligns with Watertown’s Climate and Energy Plan, which mandates 50 percent solar roof coverage on large new buildings, but also participates in the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program, enhancing its sustainability credentials through state-supported incentives.

Cappy Daume, Chief Portfolio Management Officer at Davis, highlighted the strategic importance of the facility, describing 66 Galen Street as a premier destination for life science companies. “The addition of new clean energy solutions such as solar, battery storage, and EV charging, are key steps we took to differentiate the site from others in the market, furthering our commitment to our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, and ensuring maximum value for Davis’ investors in the long term,” Daume explained.

The project also received accolades from Shawn Cumberland, Energy Transition Managing Partner at EnCap, and Javier Orellana, Director of Energy Infrastructure at Actis. Both praised Catalyze’s innovative approach and its ability to enhance real estate value through integrated sustainable technologies. “It’s terrific to see a multi-technology scheme such as 66 Galen which comprises energy generation from solar PV and battery storage come into operation,” Orellana remarked.

The building also boasts numerous other sustainable features, including exterior walls clad in natural, 100% recyclable terra cotta tiles with a low-e coating to minimize solar heat gain, high-efficiency LED and self-dimming lighting systems, a variable-volume air handler system that reduces energy costs by 19 percent compared to similar-sized buildings, and extensive water conservation infrastructure.

The strategic implementation of these advanced technologies at 66 Galen Street not only demonstrates Catalyze’s leadership in the clean energy sector but also sets a new standard for commercial real estate development. By harnessing state-of-the-art energy solutions, Catalyze and its partners are effectively driving the energy transition forward, creating sustainable, high-value real estate that meets the demands of modern businesses and environmentally conscious tenants.