Nearly 1,100 commercial real estate professionals recently paid tribute to Boston Properties, recipient of the 2010 Distinguished Real Estate Award presented at the NAIOP Massachusetts Annual Awards Gala.

Boston Properties was selected for achievements in real estate, charitable activities and community betterment. A special public service award was presented to the firm’s late CEO, Edward H. Linde. To further honor his memory, the award will now be known as The Edward H. Linde Public Service Award, according to a statement.

Sarah Abrams, president of NAIOP Massachusetts and former president of Fidelity Real Estate Co., said Boston Properties has earned "a sterling reputation as a firm with unshakeable integrity."

In particular, Abrams praised the firm’s early adoption of green building practices: "For many years, Boston Properties has been a driving force in the sustainability movement, leading by example and using their extensive holdings to demonstrate to the rest of us that the development and operation of commercial real estate can be done in way that is good for the environment."

Abrams presented the public service award to the firm’s late founder and CEO, Ed Linde, whose son, Doug Linde, accepted the award on his behalf.

"Ed Linde was a deeply committed, intensely engaged, and profoundly compassionate man," said Abrams. "He integrated his drive and ambition with a sincere desire to give back to his community, and the results were felt throughout our community and our nation."