Woburn, MA and Secaucus, NJ – Tocci Building Companies recently announced that Osprey Cove, a 116-unit luxury apartment building in Secaucus, N.J. constructed by the firm for owner Hartz Mountain Industries, Inc. has received a LEED Silver certification from the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for sustainable building and development. LEED-certified buildings are designed to lower operating costs, reduce waste sent to landfills, conserve energy and water, reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and provide healthier and safer environments for occupants, according to the USGBC, which developed the framework in 2000 for builders and operators.
“Tocci exceeded our expectations as a builder and manager on our very first ground-up rental apartment project,” said Hartz Mountain’s senior vice president of building construction, John Comer. Tocci modeled the building systems using BIM (Building Information Modeling) and worked closely with sustainability consultant Steve Winters Associates of New York, N.Y. as well as architect Niles Bolton & Associates and interior designer Childs, Dreyfuss Group of Chicago to achieve the LEED rating. Much of the development was constructed using recycled materials (including the kitchen cabinets, which were also locally purchased), bamboo was used in the community lounge and all appliances are Energy Star-rated.
“HMI’s commitment to achieving energy goals shows that even large developers are moving toward more sustainable construction practices, and we’re proud to be a facilitator of that effort,” said John Tocci,, Chief Enabling Officer of Tocci Building Companies.