(Boston, MA) May 14, 2013 - Today, Mayor Thomas M. Menino honored The Schochet Companies with the 2013 Greenovate Boston Residential Award for the company's leadership in environmental sustainability. The annual award is given to businesses, residents and sustainable food sectors throughout Boston that are committed to exemplary sustainable practices in their communities and is part of the Mayor's ongoing effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020.
"We are thrilled to be recognized for championing efforts to make Boston the greenest city in the country," said Richard Henken, President of the Schochet Companies. "This award is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated staff and to the residents that have made efforts to reduce their environmental footprint. Sustainability is a top priority for this company and we look forward to continuing to lead the way in building upon our good practices."
The Schochet Companies specialize in affordable housing, and have made a significant positive impact in the communities it serves. As a formal commitment to environmental sustainability, the company teamed up with a Green Team and an outside consulting firm, Rethinking Power Management (RPM) to develop unique and comprehensive strategies to reduce energy consumption.
Since 2008 The Schochet Companies have reduced energy consumption across their entire portfolio of residences by nearly 10 percent and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 2,000 tons per year.
"As a company, sustainability and innovation go hand-in-hand," continued Henken. "As a company we are always looking for new ways to create a more eco-friendly environment at our properties and understand the benefit that this not only brings to the city, but especially brings to our tenants."
Over the last three years, as part of its ongoing sustainability practices The Schochet Companies has utilized new technology such as LED-lighting and solar thermal controls at many of its properties. In addition, the company communicates with tenants through property newsletters that include tips on how residents can save energy and water, too.
About the Schochet Companies
The Schochet Companies are a full service real estate development and management company founded by Jay R. Schochet in 1973. Since that time, the company has developed, owned and/or managed in excess of 7,000 apartments and over 600,000 square feet of retail and commercial space throughout New England and on the West Coast. Today, Schochet Associates owns and/or manages over 4,500 apartments and 275,000 square feet of commercial space throughout New England. Headquartered in Boston, MA, the company has regional offices in Newport, RI, and Portland, ME, and employs over 160 people.