Tucker Gorman '08

The Green Roundtable’s NEXUS Green Building Resource Center
Boston, Massachusetts

Summer 2008

The Green Roundtable is an independent non-profit that seeks to mainstream healthy, efficient and sustainable building development using strategic outreach, policy advocacy, technical assistance and education. GRT is an affiliate of and works closely with the US Green Building Council. The NEXUS Green Building Resource Center is the primary project of the GRT. NEXUS is located in downtown Boston and is currently pursuing LEED-CI certification. The space includes 9,000+ square feet of product showroom, resource and samples libraries, and event and networking space. Anyone interested in learning more about green building is encouraged to come in and ask questions, research topics, and attend tours and events.

My intern responsibilities at NEXUS consisted of a number of substantial assignments and many smaller tasks. At the route of the majority of my work was a massive and evolving Access database. NEXUS is currently working on compiling all of its information in order to increase the efficiency of the organization. The database holds everything from “wish list” products to contact information for local service providers. I was first responsible for editing the samples library’s new product survey and then to cold-call companies to request green products which were to be screened under the survey. All contact information, responses, and so forth were added to the database. I also worked from Access when I called and visited Boston-based architecture firms to extend invitations to NEXUS events, specifically the exhibitor showcase. The final and largest of my responsibilities was to research low VOC adhesives and sealants and to compile a user-friendly list to be distributed to contractors. Throughout my time at NEXUS I was often pulled away from my computer in the cyber lounge to assist co-workers with any number of things. In this role the interns served as the grunt workers for jobs that were either too simple or too tedious for the senior staff members to do. This was a good way for me to get my feet wet in a number of areas.

Overall, my experience at NEXUS was fantastic. I left having achieved my goal of gaining a substantial understanding of the various components of green building. The variety of projects I worked on helped me to learn a breadth of information in a short period of time. Cold-calling, something I had never be exposed to before, was a particularly interesting experience. As daunting as it was to call total strangers and ask for something, I eventually got the hang of it. This went for much of my assignments. I often had no prior knowledge of a topic or certain building product. Certainly the most valuable outcome of my internship was the insight I gained into the world of green building. My immersion amongst architects, consultants, and other professionals gave me perspective on how a company (a non-profit in this case) operates. I am now even more excited to continue pursuing a career in green building. I feel it is a field I can see myself enjoying while making a difference.