WOODBRIDGE, N.J. (August 05, 2022) — Bergman Real Estate Group is contributing to a greener future.
The New Jersey-based full-service real estate investment and management company is investing significantly into multiple sustainability initiatives across its two-million-square-foot portfolio of office buildings. Large investments in renewable energy and small changes alike make up the full package of initiatives, from changes in cleaning supplies to the use of energy-efficient LED lighting, and more efficient HVAC controlled by modern building management systems that optimize energy consumption for better climate control.
“We are making a major commitment to our tenants and our joint venture partners by investing in a cleaner and more environmentally friendly world,” said Steven Bergman, Chief Operating Officer, Bergman Real Estate Group. “We want to do as much as we can to be a sustainable partner.”
The new sustainability initiatives are part of the Bergman Cares program. Launched in 2020, the program offers a growing suite of amenities at Bergman-managed properties that aim to promote the health, safety, and well-being of tenant employees.
“Prioritizing a healthy workplace goes beyond the enhanced HVAC filtration and cleaning procedures – it’s a holistic view that takes into account what’s important for employees and therefore to tenants as their businesses attract talent,” said Michael Bergman, CEO and President, Bergman Real Estate Group. “Offering environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions on a large scale is important for businesses and their employees alike, as they want to work with companies doing their part to support a greener world.”
The newly launched sustainability program is anchored by a rooftop solar panel initiative that has been in development for the last decade.
“For the last 10 years, we’ve been working to implement a solar program that helps lower the carbon footprint of our properties while saving tenants money,” Steven Bergman said. “We are excited to share that our properties now use clean, renewable energy that benefits our tenants and the environment.”
Properties to be outfitted with solar panels this year include 555 U.S. 1 South in Iselin, N.J., 201 W. Passaic Street in Rochelle Park, N.J., 51 Haddonfield Road in Cherry Hill, N.J., and 100-110 South Jefferson Road in Whippany, N.J. Other properties will receive solar upgrades as roofs need replacement, so plans to add renewable energy are baked into each property’s capital improvements program.
The projected energy savings of nearly 20% annually, coupled with the fixed cost of solar that helps the real estate firm better project cash flow, adds approximately $1 million in value, Steven Bergman said.
“Switching to solar power brings an incredible benefit for our tenants and for Bergman Realty,” he said, adding that the addition of solar panels is paid for with tax credits, generating no out-of-pocket costs for either Bergman or tenants to benefit from renewable energy.
Through a partnership with forestry nonprofit American Forests, Bergman Real Estate Group is committing to planting trees in addition to the green initiatives conducted at its properties. The real estate firm will plant trees in each new tenant’s name for each new lease signed at any Bergman property.
“Through this initiative, we are contributing to a greener planet beyond our campuses,” Steven Bergman said. “And to do so on behalf of our new tenants establishes from the get-go that we are committing to these sustainability initiatives on every level.”
Greener transportation options are another priority in the sustainability program, including electric vehicle (EV) charging stations currently underway and bike sharing programs available at many Bergman properties. EV chargers are currently operational at 75 Livingston Ave., Roseland, N.J., with more installations scheduled at other properties by the end of 2022.
“There’s an undeniable, increasing demand from tenants to make electric chargers and other ‘green’ transportation available,” Steven Bergman said. “We are committed to adding more EV stations and expanding the bike sharing program at additional properties.”
In addition to this larger investment on an institutional level, Bergman Real Estate Group has initiated several smaller switches that add up to big changes for both the company and the planet. All buildings have switched to sustainable products such as restroom paper supplies made with high recycled content, green certified cleaning products, and paints low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Recycling programs are in effect at every building as well.
“Environmentally friendly improvements of all sizes are a win-win for everyone, as they all contribute to a healthier world for us and for future generations,” Steven Bergman said. “Together, our tenants, joint venture partners and Bergman Real Estate Group can contribute to a greener, brighter future for all.”
For more information about our green initiatives, or to view availability at Bergman properties, visit www.BergmanRealty.com.
About Bergman Real Estate Group
Bergman Real Estate Group is a privately owned, full-service real estate investment and management company. With more than 33 years of history operating in New Jersey and other select markets, Bergman has earned a solid reputation as a reputable and trustworthy owner/manager. The company’s fully integrated platform includes acquisition, ownership, asset and property management, leasing, and construction supervision. Bergman, which has built its success on acquiring and successfully repositioning underperforming properties, currently owns and manages 22 office buildings comprising 2.25 million square feet.
