Set on 162 acres of environmentally protected woods and open spaces, NewBridge on the Charles was designed with the utmost respect for our natural resources. Inspired by the tradition of tikkun olam (healing the world), we have preserved 100 of our pristine 162 acres as they are today for future generations. Our expansive green spaces, on-campus walking trails, and two vernal pools are spectacular areas for welcoming and watching an abundance of wildlife throughout the seasons.

Our campus was built using sustainable design by meeting current needs without comprising resources for future generations. Our commitment to the environment is evidenced by: 

• A rainwater collection system for irrigation. Water is collected from the many roofs throughout the community through a system of pipes and pumps as well as from roadways, and is sent back into the soil to nourish the plants.
• A geothermal system to heat the community. This system uses the temperature of the earth (much warmer in winter than the air in New England) to heat water to warm the buildings. Four hundred 500-foot-deep wells throughout the campus circulate water to generate the heat. This is, in a sense, the opposite of solar heat, reaching down into the earth for warmth. To learn how geothermal heating works, Download a PDF (10MB).
• Low impact design using porous pavement, through which water seeps back into the soil. These surfaces are more user-friendly to both pedestrians and those using wheelchairs.
• Green roofs. Trees, shrubs, and grasses are planted on roof surfaces of the buildings throughout the campus. Also, much of the parking (which would otherwise take up vast surface areas) is underground.
• Outdoor gardens and sitting areas have been created, along with numerous landscaped gathering places for outdoor dining and events. Community gardens, as well as the option to create private gardens in the cottage neighborhood are also available. As part of our commitment to an environmentally friendly community, we utilize drought-resistant and low-water-use plantings.