Cousins Sustainability Initiatives & Commute Programming Spotlight

Livable Buckhead is excited to announce Cousins Corporate as our Mobility Spotlight! Cousins Corporate is headquartered in the heart of Buckhead in Atlanta, GA. They are a fully integrated, self-administered, and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT). Livable Buckhead has worked with Cousins for many years to develop commute programming for their employees, such as offering subsidized MARTA passes. Cousins has participated in both local and regional modal promotions to promote sustainable resources and benefits for their employees and is currently working with Livable Buckhead to create and promote personalized carpool commuting solutions.

“At Cousins, we focus on all three broad aspects of environmental sustainability: economic value, environmental impact, and social benefit. By optimizing these three components, we can continue to improve our operations and execute our business strategy,” said Melissa McNamara, Vice President of Corporate Communications.

Cousins’ ESG initiatives are at the foundation of what they do and how they operate their business. They are rooted in a commitment to contributing positive economic, environmental, and social outcomes for their customers, stockholders, employees, and the communities in which they live and work. They believe strong financial returns are driven by creating a positive impact in the communities in which they operate. They also aim to make a positive social impact in their workplace and communities through philanthropy, volunteerism, and promoting diversity and inclusion. As they seek to make a positive impact on the environment, Cousins also prioritizes investments in buildings in walkable areas close to public transportation.

When Cousins analyzes investment opportunities (where new development or acquisition of operating buildings), they prioritize vibrant, amenity-rich, and walkable areas within proximity to public transit. Cousins uses a variety of building design and operational features and strategies to minimize the environmental impact and enhance the social impact of the buildings in the portfolio. This includes new greenspaces, like 3350 Peachtree’s Plaza greenspace. This expanded greenspaces features an activity lawn and enhanced working space with Wi-Fi and outlets that allow for more collaboration with clients and colleagues. There is also a bike storage facility on site, along with showers in the new on-site fitness center.

Currently, Cousins offers transit subsidies for employees, onsite bicycle storage in 95% of buildings, and 71% of buildings have electric vehicle charging stations. Livable Buckhead looks forward to continuing engagements with Cousins to promote sustainable initiatives for their employees!

Check out more of Cousins sustainability initiatives here: Our View of Sustainability | Cousins