More than ever, commercial real estate owners must take into account the emerging framework of environmental regulations when buying, building, retrofitting and operating their properties.
Sustainability
Case Study
For more information about how Atria Senior Living redevelopment can also be “green” and make sustainability pay off, please click here.
If there is a color to the spirit of our times, it is likely to be green. Phrases like "renewable energy", "zero emission", "carbon footprint" and "cap and trade" have become familiar and commonplace. Federal, state and local government entities continue to enact tougher laws and mandates affecting energy efficiency. Green initiatives and economic incentives abound across governing bodies and public utilities. More than ever, commercial real estate owners must take into account the emerging framework of environmental regulations when buying, building, retrofitting and operating their properties.
As one of the largest REITs in the United States, it is our duty to promote environmental sustainability. This is a key strategic objective for our existing portfolio of buildings and future acquisitions – and for the daily work of our employees. It is both good business and good policy. A strong environmental performance will lead, over time, to improved risk-adjusted returns from our real estate holdings. We also are convinced that high standards improve the quality of the living and working environment for our customers.
In the site selection for our new corporate headquarters in Chicago, we used LEED certification as a key criterion for our decision.
As Ventas has grown and diversified our property portfolio, we are both raising awareness throughout the organization of the importance of environmentally-responsible actions and taking meaningful steps to support sustainable initiatives. We are auditing the key energy consumption features at all Ventas properties including lighting, HVAC, water and utilities. The goal: identify where we can make strategic investments to increase the efficiency in each facility. For new investments, we are incorporating a wide range of energy efficiency criteria into our decision-making.
Medical Office Buildings
251/253 Medical
Complex, Houston, TX
Seniors Housing
Communities
Atria Tamalpais Creek
Medical Office Buildings
As one of the largest owners of medical office space with approximately 14 million square feet geographically dispersed throughout the United States, we continue to exercise considerable influence on the sustainability standards of our existing buildings and new development projects. We embrace green initiatives and seek to achieve, whenever possible, LEED certification for new development projects which help our healthcare facilities leverage sustainable and environmentally-conscious practices and operations, save building operational costs and promote good stewardship of the environment.
251/253 Medical Complex
Houston, TX
This medical office complex located Southeast of Houston, TX is a high-performance property using the latest in green technology and methods. The intention of this development project was to lower operating costs and reduce the 94,000 square foot structure’s impact on the environment. The buildings boast ultra-efficient elevators and the largest green roof in Texas. With eight inches of soil and plants that trap rainwater, the green roofs will help keep the buildings cool during the summer. The roof’s rainwater collection system stores run-off to be used for landscape irrigation and for use in the toilets.
Project: 251 LEED® Gold certified and U.S. Green Building Council; 253 LEED® Platinum certified
Seniors Housing Communities
Across our portfolio of communities, significant initiatives are underway to assess and improve the environmental footprint of our facilities. Since 2009, Atria Senior Living has replaced all incandescent light bulbs at substantially all communities with 140,000 compact fluorescent bulbs, producing 37 million kilowatt hours in energy savings – comparable to removing 6,000 cars from the roads. Carpeting in all apartments is being replaced with recyclable material, so far saving 600 tons from landfills. At 79 Sunrise Senior Living communities, we have replaced all incandescent lighting with compact fluorescent bulbs. A pilot project using “smart” water meters is under way at other Sunrise properties.
Atria Tamalpais Creek
This seniors housing community located in Novato, CA is part of a multi-pronged approach by Atria Senior Living to increase environmental sustainability. This recent redevelopment and renovation project included the incorporation of several environmentally- friendly factors, including the use of regionally-sourced materials, a clean-air initiative using low-VOC paint and carpet and integration of recycling programs and adequate green space. Other efforts by Atria include newly-functioning solar roofs at two communities in New York and New Jersey (Atria on the Hudson – Ossining, NY – see live demo).
Project: LEED® Silver certified, U.S. Green Building Council