O’Connor is committed to abiding by the highest standards of environmental and social practices across its portfolio including real estate investment, property development, and asset management.
These integrated practices align with O’Connor’s core value system in which our investors and the communities we serve are our primary focus; this includes social and environmental well-being. Our mission is to regularly review and improve our Environmental Sustainability Policies in an effort to consistently and significantly reduce the Company’s waste each year. O’Connor works with every member of its team to ensure internal accountability so that together, we can make a positive impact on the world.
OUR COMMITMENT TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY
Within our properties
- We collaborate with investors to set achievable yet impactful annual environmental goals on a property-by-property basis (such as EV charges, LED light replacement, and renewable energy analysis)
- We analyze and reduce the use of toxic substances for maintenance wherever feasible and continuously identify products which are less harmful to the environment and less of a health risk to our team
- We consider impacts to biodiversity, human health and the surrounding communities when planning projects; develop solutions to achieve well-balanced eco-systems post-development
- We collaborate with local community members and environmental organizations to understand and address their needs and concerns so that we can continue to make a positive impact on local and global levels
- We use renewable or reusable materials and methods wherever feasible to reduce waste
- We thoughtfully design new properties and update existing properties to maximize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact
“O’Connor is committed to abiding by the highest standards of environmental and social practices across its portfolio in order to build a better and more sustainable business.”
- William O’Connor, President CEO, Corporate
Within our offices
- We comply with all relevant environmental legislation, regulations, and requirements
- We recycle all waste material possible by utilizing separate bins for metal/glass/foil and for paper. We use reusable or biodegradable utensils and energy efficient appliances, auto faucet sensors in restrooms
- We strive for digital-first strategy for B2B and B2C communication; limit use paper whenever possible. If paper must be used, we work to re-use wastepaper. We purchase products made with recycled paper or recycled materials and use environmentally friendly cleaning products throughout O’Connor offices and O’Connor properties
- We avoid the use of postal services to reduce our carbon footprint and avoid unnecessary travel by making use of video/audio conferencing, telephone and email whenever possible
- We use a water filtration unit and reusable water/beverage bottles; one-time use plastic water or beverage bottles are discouraged from O’Connor offices
- We keep our energy usage low by making use of LED lighting and using timers to ensure computers and lights are turned off at the end of the workday (auto on/off sensors)
- We recycle of all electronic waste in keeping with building management’s LEED certification (CPU/Servers, Laptops, Printers, Toner Cartridges, Batteries, Cellphones, etc.)
Case Studies
The Parkchester
New York, NY
Parkchester Gardens is a 221-unit senior affordable housing development located within the central Bronx. This development will provide necessary high quality affordable housing and services to a community that has faced the unprecedented effects of COVID-19 related job loss and increased housing prices. Parkchester Gardens aims to empower residents through housing-based programs that will improve their health as well as their physical, mental, and social well-being.
Location Details
- 2000 East Tremont Avenue
- New York, NY
- 10462
Contact Details
- 917-634-5232
Community Program Highlights
- Self help Community Services will provide onsite programming and services for residents
- Community room for residents to gather for social, health and educational events
- Outdoor Greenspace for residents to enjoy, featuring raised gardening beds for increased accessibility
- Fitness center
- Computer lab
- Private social services offices
- Communal kitchen space to be used for educational demos and community building programming
Sustainability Highlights
- Solar installation includes 234 modules providing energy to the building’s common spaces. The energy use avoided each year is equivalent to the carbon sequestered from 1,331 trees grown for 10 years.
- Enterprise Green Communities Certification includes energy efficient design, LED lighting, Energy Star appliances, uPVC windows and a light colored roof.
- Water Conservation includes low flow features, a leak detection system, a water retention tank, drip irrigation in all plant beds and a robust recycling program.
- Transit oriented building allows for access to safe and reliable transportation and increases opportunities for our residents with a walk score of 95 and a transit score of 93.
Watertown Residential Development
Watertown, Massachusetts
Watertown is a 146 unit, partially low income, residential development located within Watertown Massachusetts. This development will provide the growing population of Watertown with an energy efficient and sustainable housing option.
Location Details
- 53 Pleasant Street, 2-10 Cross Street
- Watertown, MA
- 02472
Sustainability Highlights
- On-site renewable solar energy will decrease the building’s electrical demand and further reduce its carbon footprint.
- Fully Electric Building
- Transit Oriented with a walk score of 76 and a bike score of 68. Located near the Charles River Path
- Bike storage program available to residents
- Located central to Bus Routes and adjacent to Watertown Square Transit Hub
- Transit Pass program available to all residents and employees to encourage the use of public transportation
- Built to a LEED Silver Standard
- Recycling Program
Stonefield Residential Development
Charlottesville, VA
Stonefield is a 227-unit residential development located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Its energy efficient design and proximity to the Shops and Stonefield prioritize sustainability throughout every level of it’s development.
Location Details
- 2100 Bond Street
- Charlottesville, VA
- 22901
Contact Details
- 434-960-8939
Sustainability Highlights
- Fully Electric Building
- No fossil fuels burned on site
- Electric Car Charging Stations
- Transit Oriented
- Located within Stonefield shops open air center with walking access to entertainment, groceries, restaurants, and shopping
- Access to bike paths
- Bike storage available to residents
- Energy efficient design
