by Brianna Crandall — April 22, 2013—The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International has issued its “Top 10 Ways” commercial real estate professionals can make energy efficiency and sustainability a priority on Earth Day and every day. With the office building industry accounting for nearly 20 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, BOMA has committed to helping its members and the industry as a whole improve energy management and sustainability practices.
“These tips offer property professionals effective operational and management strategies for reducing energy consumption and elevating sustainability,” said BOMA International Chair and Chief Elected Officer Joe Markling, managing director of Strategic Accounts with CBRE. “As we approach Earth Day, it’s important to remember that making significant energy-efficiency improvements is within the reach of most building owners and managers, and many of the methods are no- or low-cost.”
As Earth Day 2013 is observed around the world on Monday, April 22, here are BOMA’s Top 10 Ways commercial real estate professionals can green their building operations in recognition of the event:
- Measure and Manage. Benchmark energy and water consumption through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.
- Audit Yourself. Perform regular energy audits to identify opportunities for cost-effective energy reductions. Remember to perform midnight evaluations to make sure lighting and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) aren’t running when the building is unoccupied.
- Get the Word Out. Institute a Tenant Energy Awareness Program—use your company newsletter and/or building announcements to keep tenants informed about energy management goals and how they can help. Provide them with energy savings tips.
- Become Enlightened. Replace incandescent lights with CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps), which use less energy, have a longer lamp life and produce less heat.
- Go Low Flow. Install low-flow/flush fixtures and hands-free fixtures in restrooms.
- Don’t Forget Electronics. Hold an e-waste day and collect old printers, computers and electronics for recycling.
- Use Sensors. Install occupancy sensors and photo sensors that monitor daylight. Occupancy sensors also work for HVAC controls.
- Be Shady. Install solar shades to block heat.
- Encourage Eco-Friendly Transportation. Install bicycle racks and electronic vehicle chargers.
- Improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Use high-efficiency HVAC filters—and change them often. Use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, sealants and adhesives for building improvements.
BOMA International recently received the 2013 ENERGY STAR Award for Sustained Excellence. This is the sixth time BOMA has been recognized by the EPA with an ENERGY STAR Award and the organization reportedly remains the only commercial real estate association to be recognized with an ENERGY STAR award. In 2009, BOMA International also received the Climate Protection Award, said to be the EPA’s highest honor.
For more information on BOMA International’s green initiatives, as well as more tips and strategies for greening buildings, visit the organization’s Sustainability Web page.
