After the U.S. Department of Energy halted its Energy Star program for medical office buildings in 2013, real estate investment trust Welltower developed its own proprietary system to evaluate total building performance.
The company’s Green Arrow Building Certification (GABC) program measures energy, water, waste, indoor air quality, and innovation. Over 230 properties in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. participate in the program each year, with115 properties achieving certification.
The GABC program has helped identify areas of improvement and items in need of corrections. Most properties have seen a 1%-12% reduction in energy use as a result of the program. Energy, water, and waste usage are tracked monthly, and reports are sent to all real estate managers and engineers for review. Any buildings with an increased usage of 5% or more must be reviewed for probable causes to explain variances.
Welltower contracted with a third-party energy consultant to develop the program. Green Arrow was based on the foundation of both Energy Star certification and the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB).
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2017
After construction crane collapses during Irma, regulations questioned
Cranes rated for 140 mph winds didn’t hold up to 100 mph gusts.
Codes and Standards | Sep 20, 2017
Energy efficiency measures pay off in some not-so-obvious ways
Access to better financing, tax incentives, rent premiums, among the benefits to greener buildings.
Codes and Standards | Sep 19, 2017
Benchmarking regulations prompt jump in green certified properties
2016 saw a slight rise in total certified U.S. green office space.
Codes and Standards | Sep 18, 2017
Changes likely to come to federal wetlands regulations
However, states may step up regulations as feds relax them.
Codes and Standards | Sep 14, 2017
Gentrification means a new mindset for city planners
Rising rents elicit reexamination of zoning principles.
Codes and Standards | Sep 13, 2017
OSHA issues extension for compliance with crane operator certification requirements
Comments on proposed rule sought through Sept. 29.
Codes and Standards | Sep 12, 2017
Washington, D.C. is first LEED Platinum city in the world
All city government buildings are powered by renewables.
Codes and Standards | Sep 11, 2017
Natural solutions would be most effective flood resilience policies for Houston
New green infrastructure should be part of rebuild.
Codes and Standards | Sep 8, 2017
Los Angeles luxury high-rise is first U.S. apartment building to achieve WELL Multifamily certification
Hollywood Proper Residences have verified indoor air and water quality features.
Codes and Standards | Sep 7, 2017
More than half of Houston properties at high or moderate risk of flooding are not in FEMA flood zone
Properties outside of these zones are not required to carry flood insurance.