The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently awarded Boston’s landmark Prudential Tower with an Energy Star label for superior energy performance.
Owned by Boston Properties, the 52-story Prudential Tower was built in 1965 and renovated in 1993 and 2008. The building earned the Energy Star as the result of efforts taken in its design, commissioning and operation.
"Companies like Boston Properties are getting it right," said Ira Leighton, acting regional administrator for EPA New England. "They’re taking environmental conservation seriously – to the benefit of the environment and the bottom line."
In receiving this award, the building has undergone many improvements, including: an automation system has been upgraded to the latest version of the Andover Continuum, a Web-based, state-of-the-art control system, demand-side ventilation has been implemented and retrofitting lighting has been installed in common areas using T-8 lighting with electronic ballasts.
Also, the original steam turbine-driven chillers have been replaced with high-efficiency variable speed/flow electric-driven chillers and all bathrooms have been retrofitted with high-efficiency flush valves, faucets and fixtures.
"Energy efficiency is the quickest, most economical, and cleanest way to cut our energy costs, and expanding efficiency programs is a cornerstone of the Patrick Administration’s plan for a clean energy future" said David Cash, assistant secretary for policy in the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. "On behalf of the commonwealth, I would like to congratulate Boston Properties and the Prudential Tower for taking steps that reduce environmental impacts and help us reach our clean energy goals."
Boston Properties also has two other Energy Star-labeled buildings within Prudential Center, 111 Huntington Ave. and 101 Huntington Ave. The Prudential Tower’s recent designation means that 100 percent of the 2.6 million square feet of office space at Prudential Center is now Energy Star-labeled. Boston Properties said it now has more than 3.8 million square feet of Energy Star-labeled office space in the state.
