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 | Mar 4, 2021
Biden administration overturns Trump’s federal building design mandate
Previous order promoted classical and “traditional” architecture above others.
Codes and Standards | Mar 3, 2021
Texas freeze raises questions about risks of electrifying buildings
Gas stoves helped residents cook, boil water when power went out.
Codes and Standards | Mar 2, 2021
New Seattle building code eliminates fossil fuels for most space and water heating
Also increases on-site solar photovoltaics, reduces envelope heat loss, air leakage, and interior lighting power allowances.
Codes and Standards | Feb 25, 2021
It’s not just lumber—roofing material prices are also on the rise
Lower demand for petroleum products means less asphalt production.
Codes and Standards | Feb 23, 2021
USGBC offers education on LEED Safety First pilot credits
Four courses address COVID-19.
Codes and Standards | Feb 23, 2021
ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force releases updated Building Readiness Guide
Includes flush calculations to reduce time and energy to clear contaminants between occupancy periods.
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2021
Preservation of Affordable Housing develops climate resilience strategy
Includes backup power for resident and staff “area of refuge”.
Codes and Standards | Feb 18, 2021
Construction industry moves toward comprehensive U.S. BIM standard
NIBS hosts roundtable to create coordinated program to advance collaboration.
Codes and Standards | Feb 17, 2021
Construction on international sports venues is ripe for corruption
Poor planning, complex contracting, a lack of accountability and high levels of collusion to blame.
Codes and Standards | Feb 16, 2021
Feds may fund removal of some urban highways
Senate bill proposes pilot program to reknit communities.