This week, the Environmental Protection Agency will announce the winner of their 2010 National Building Competition which began on April 27th as a way to encourage commercial buildings to save energy and fight climate change. The competition drew in over 200 applicants from around the country, however only fourteen buildings were selected to compete and include schools, hotels, dormitories, stores, offices, museums, and other buildings seen in communities and cities every day.Each building will measure and track their monthly energy consumption with the EPA’s online energy tracking tool; Portfolio Manager. Portfolio Manager is an interactive energy management tool that allows property owners to track and assess energy and water consumption across their entire portfolio of buildings in a secure online environment. Participants will also receive tips on “slimming down” their carbon footprint from Bob Harper (of TV’s The Biggest Loser) as well as from managers and engineers from other highly rated buildings, and the Energy Star Program.
The winner of the competition, which is to be announced on Tuesday, October 26th, will be the building which has successfully demonstrated the greatest percentage-based reduction in energy use intensity over the contest period.
Among the contestants in the National Building Competition, RDM client, Hines has entered their 595, 430 square foot building at 522 5th Avenue. The 23 story building was constructed in 1896 and is home to several retail tenants as well financial offices.
Since obtaining the building in 2009, Hines has taken several measures to improve energy conservation including replacing a steam turbine with a high-efficiency drive chiller, installing frequency drivers on mains and fans and installing motion sensors and upgraded lighting throughout the building. As well, the company encourages its occupants to participate in energy saving opportunities. The building managers are also in the process of installing an energy dashboard in the building lobby to show real-time energy consumption, carbon footprint and cooling loads. (Source: Energy Star)
Many of RDM’s clients are also taking steps to promote energy conservation and green initiatives throughout their portfolios. Such efforts by real estate companies help the environment as well as promote a positive image of the Real Estate industry.
About Hines:
Hines is a privately owned, international real estate firm that has provided the highest level of quality, service and value to its clients and investors for more than 50 years. Since its inception in 1957, Hines has created projects of the highest quality, aesthetic relevance and enduring value for its investor partners, clients and local communities. Working with such notable architects as Cesar Pelli, Frank Gehry, I.M. Pei and Philip Johnson, Hines has redefined the way developers interact with and treat architecture, promoting a balance between function, beauty and sustainability and reshaping skylines around the world.
