Form, function and environmental sustainability come together at the new, award-winning corporate headquarters for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.

Every aspect of the new office building embodies the organization’s commitment to protecting the environment and creating a healthier workplace for its 1,200 employees. This commitment has garnered the South Shore’s first silver LEED certification for green building. Continuing its long-time relationship with BCBSMA, Red Thread became involved in the early stages of planning, collaborating with BCBSMA and the architect to meet the project’s green requirements. Red Thread worked closely with Steelcase to identify the best green-certified furniture options and even combined elements from three different green workstation product lines to provide necessary storage and functionality. The green efforts also extended to installation: Red Thread kept close tabs on waste generated during installation and recycled it according to LEED specifications.

Red Thread also provided audio visual technology throughout the headquarters. The Red Thread team brought sound and display capabilities to the cafeteria, and outfitted numerous multipurpose rooms with projectors, video, microphones, speakers, customized control systems, and assisted listening capabilities. In addition, the team created a highly sophisticated video conferencing room – a space that helps to reduce waste and pollution associated with business travel. Advanced control systems also support green goals, giving BCBSMA personnel the ability to set timers on audio visual equipment and conserve energy.

BCBSMA employees are successfully making the most of the new technology, thanks to training for key team members and a “cheat sheet” that helps them use the equipment in each room. Preventive maintenance by Red Thread helps to ensure all equipment is working properly, while the Red Thread support team addresses any day-to-day issues with telephone support, service calls and loaner equipment.

“For nearly a decade, Red Thread has played a central role in all of our real estate initiatives, from relocations to consolidations to new construction.  Their customer service is exceptional; when it comes to quick turnaround, attention to detail, and responsiveness, they’ve set a new industry benchmark.”

Lawrence Healy
Director of Real Estate,
Design & Planning
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA