Cummings Properties earns 3 ENERGY STAR certifications

Three Cummings Properties buildings recently earned ENERGY STAR certification by achieving strict energy performance levels set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Woburn-based commercial real estate firm reportedly has more than 2 million s/f with this distinction. Cummings' 10 certified properties, now including 8 Cabot Rd. in Woburn, 142/144 North Rd. in Sudbury, and 800 Cummings Center in Beverly, each outrank 75% of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency. Gary Gresh, Cummings Props.' sustainability manager, said, "The environment is not the only beneficiary of energy efficiency, as Cummings' clients can experience significant savings on their operating costs." Built in 2010, 8 Cabot Rd. was designed to meet LEED standards, which signify environmentally friendly design and construction. It has many "green" features, including high efficiency lighting and water source heat pumps, as well as motion sensors and variable frequency controls for its HVAC systems. The building also hosts a 30KW solar installation that produces about 50% of the building's common area electric load. The Sudbury property includes 142 North Rd., built in 1960, and its annex, 144 North Rd., built in 2009 to LEED standards. Cummings Props. performed several energy efficiency upgrades in recent years on the original building. One of Cummings Properties' oldest structures, 800 Cummings Center was built in 1902. Through a top-to-bottom restoration, the firm transformed this historic building, formerly part of the United Shoe Machinery Corp. complex, into a modern, energy-efficient office building. It is located within the 77-acre, award-winning Cummings Center business campus. On May 31, Governor Deval Patrick visited Cummings Center to recognize the campus' many green features, and participate in a ribbon-cutting for its second major solar installation. According to Gresh, these ENERGY STAR certifications would not have been possible without the partnership of NSTAR and National Grid, the buildings' electric utility providers. Certified commercial buildings use an average of 35% less energy than typical buildings, and release 35% less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These environmental benefits can have a positive impact on a company's bottom line, as research shows a significant preference to work for, or do business with, organizations that employ environmentally responsible practices. Cummings has a long history of sustainable business practices, including building renovation and reuse; energy-saving design, construction, and property maintenance; utilization of recycled materials and equipment; and reduction of waste through recycling programs. Other Cummings buildings that have earned the ENERGY STAR rating are 500 and 900 Cummings Center in Beverly, 92 Montvale Ave. in Stoneham, 196 Boston Ave. in Medford, 18 Commerce Way in Woburn, and 370 and 420 Hemenway St. in Marlborough.