The School for Field Studies opens at Cummings Center

The School for Field Studies (SFS) has relocated its world headquarters from downtown Salem to an 8,000 s/f office at 100 Cummings Center. The international academic organization provides environmental study abroad programs for college undergraduates. "We found the perfect space," said Jack Waggett, SFS interim president. "As an environmentally-focused organization, we were attracted to Cummings Properties and are pleased with the sustainable practices that Cummings employs." According to Waggett, after nine years in Salem, SFS sought a venue for future growth as well as a "greener" office environment. Cummings Center, as the North Shore's largest office park and one of the world's most comprehensive industrial plant recycling projects, was an ideal location. Founded in 1980, SFS creates transformative student experiences through field-based learning and research programs in locations as diverse as Costa Rica, Kenya, Australia, and Bhutan. It is part of a growing network of environmentally conscious organizations committed to sustainable practices. Cummings Center has a long history of sustainable practices, with two of its buildings bearing the Energy Star certification. This distinction identifies them as among the most energy efficient buildings in the nation. The campus' most recent green initiative was the installation of an 880-panel, 235-kilowatt solar array above the East Garage to help power the elevators, HVAC, and garage lights. A second major solar installation is expected to be completed atop its West Garage this spring. SFS will host alumni, friends, and members of the community at a ribbon cutting and celebration on April 26th from 5 - 7 p.m. Beverly mayor William Scanlon will cut the ribbon along with Waggett and SFS founder and board chairperson Terry Andreas. Cummings Properties is a full-service development, property management, and construction firm with more than 10 million s/f of commercial real estate in 10 eastern Mass. communities. The award-winning Cummings Center campus, located one mile from Rte. 128, is located on the former site of the United Shoe Machinery Corporation.