U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Energy Department, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Recognize Corcoran Management Company's Canterbury Towers for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Leadership

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Better Buildings Challenge recognized the Corcoran Management Company for its renewable and energy-efficient upgrades implemented at Canterbury Towers, one of the company's multi-family housing facilities located in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The Canterbury Towers demonstrates how building efficiency upgrades can preserve quality living for elderly and disabled persons. Most recently, at this property, Corcoran Management is preserving the comfort and affordability for its residents with updates to the lighting and HVAC systems, and the replacement of all windows. Altogether the 100,000 square foot, 156-unit affordable apartment community has cut energy use by 30% and is saving $50,000 annually on energy costs.

"Local leadership on energy efficiency is really making a difference in people's lives," said DOE Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency Kathleen Hogan. "Better Buildings Challenge Partners like Corcoran Management are helping people save money, protecting the environment and helping create a road map for others to follow."

To achieve 20% energy savings in 10 years across 1.1 million square feet of multifamily housing properties, Corcoran upgraded exterior and lighting systems to LEDs, and changed out hydrotherm low-efficiency boilers with condensing high efficiency boilers. Canterbury Towers also has a 500-gallon solar hot water system that was installed in 1986. In addition, low flow fixtures and aerators were installed on bathroom and faucets and on showerheads.

Additionally, the Canterbury Towers maintenance staff receives training in sustainability through a comprehensive five-hour training program developed by Corcoran Management. Corcoran maintenance staff also regularly engages residents in efforts to increase efficiency. Corcoran asked residents use social media to suggest "Green Living" tips and awarded winners prizes, keeping residents fully engaged in energy management best practices.

Through the Better Buildings Challenge, the Energy Department aims to achieve the goal of doubling American energy productivity by 2030 while motivating corporate and public-sector leaders across the country to save energy through commitments and investments. More than 310 organizations are partnering with the Energy Department to achieve 20% portfolio-wide energy savings and share successful strategies that maximize efficiency over the next decade. Across the country, partners have shared energy data for more than 34,000 properties and are reporting energy savings of 20% or more at 5,500 properties, and 10% or more at 12,600 properties.