by Brianna Crandall — April 23, 2018 — In keeping with the Earth Day 2018 theme of “End Plastic Pollution,” the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is encouraging property and facilities teams to reduce the amount of plastics and other waste that is sent to landfills.
BOMA International offers below three simple ways commercial real estate professionals can create more sustainable properties this Earth Day, April 22, and throughout the rest of the year:
- Join the W2 (Water and Waste) Challenge: Property and facilities managers can bolster their sustainability efforts, reduce costs and strengthen relationships with environmentally conscious tenants by increasing their waste diversion rate and reducing their water consumption. BOMA International’s W2 Challenge offers a perfect opportunity for building professionals to start benchmarking their waste and water using the Portfolio Manager tool from ENERGY STAR. Participants track their progress for two years and receive tips and strategies for optimizing performance along the way.
- Implement a Green Lease: Green leases provide a clear framework for tenants and landlords to work together to reduce energy consumption, implement building-wide recycling programs and partner on other initiatives to lessen a building’s environmental impact. BOMA International recently released a 2018 update to its model green lease, Green Lease Guide: A Guide for Landlords and Tenants to Collaborate on Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Practices, incorporating the latest best practices.
- Communicate with Your Tenants: Meeting with tenants one-on-one regularly to update them on new sustainability initiatives in the building and check in on their sustainability goals can make a big difference in a property’s success. Working with tenants to make their workplaces more sustainable can add value to their organizations and can significantly increase tenant enthusiasm for new initiatives.
BOMA International Chair Rob Brierley, BOMA Fellow, managing director of Real Estate Management Services and executive vice president of Colliers Boston, remarked:
BOMA International has been a long-time supporter of sustainability efforts within the industry, creating resources and programs to help our members uphold the values of Earth Day every day. Diverting more waste from landfills is a growing priority right now, and initiatives like BOMA International’s W2 Challenge are helping to facilitate success.
BOMA International says it is proud to offer these strategies as part of its own continued leadership in the area of sustainability in the commercial real estate industry. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently recognized BOMA with the 2018 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award for Sustained Excellence. This is the 11th time BOMA has been recognized by the EPA with an ENERGY STAR award, making it the most decorated commercial real estate association, says the group. In 2009, BOMA also received the Climate Protection Award, the EPA’s highest honor.
For more information on BOMA International’s green initiatives, as well as sustainability resources and educational offerings to help property professionals increase their own sustainability efforts, visit the BOMA Web site.
