CREJ - Property Management Quarterly - October 2017
This issue devotes a great deal of space to discussing sustainability options and opportunities. Whether it’s the cover story highlighting Denver’s momentum on a path toward a more sustainable future or one of the several other articles promoting financing options to help you achieve your sustainability goals, this issue has it covered. In some instances, we’re seeing opportunities originating from local governments. In past issues, we’ve covered the Energize Denver initiative, which will require all buildings 25,000 square feet or larger to benchmark and report their Energy Star scores to the city. Opportunities specific to Fort Collins are shared in the article on Page 8 as the local utility company encourages participation in the city’s Building Energy Scoring initiative. From the national government, due to an Environment Protection Agency policy, a common refrigerant used in many heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems is being phased out. The product is becoming difficult to find and the price is climbing – it’s now $26 per pound more expensive than it was in 2013. When some HVAC systems require 200 pounds of it, the cost by the time it is completely phased out in 2020 could be astronomical. Make sure to read this maintenance article on Page 12 to determine your options and best path forward if your system currently uses R22. If it’s not government ordinances driving this change, it often is encouraged by public demand. One way to share that a building takes energy efficiency seriously is through certifications. LEED still dominates certification recognition, but WELL Building Standards are making inroads. An even more stringent certification program, the Living Building Challenge, is showcased in an article on Page 22. The rigorous sustainable building certification program comprises seven categories. The first urban infill commercial building earned its title in Seattle. I’d wager it won’t be long until a property from Colorado sets it sights on the designation. Around Denver, many of the city’s iconic buildings are getting in on the action. Colorado’s State Capitol building and the Colorado Convention Center are both LEED certified, I learned from the U.S. Green Building Council’s article on Page 23. And in June, Coors Field joined the Denver 2030 District – a nonprofit organization with a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 50 percent by 2030. The ballpark has completed a number of improvements already, including the installation of LED lights, upgrading the building’s automotive system and generating solar electricity on site, according to the Denver 2030 District. As property managers, many of the tasks that go into earning certifications and complying with the regulations fall to you. As a Colorado resident, I’d like to say thank you for helping our state be a leader in sustainability. Michelle Z. Askeland maskeland@crej.com 303-623-1148, Ext. 104