NRDC Is Recognized as a 2018 Green Lease Leader

To recognize commercial, retail, and industrial real estate owners and tenants that use their leases to unlock higher performance and energy savings in buildings, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Building Alliance and the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) created the Green Lease Leaders program. The designation program, supported by leading real estate practitioners, promotes landlord-tenant collaboration on energy efficiency goals and sustainable business operations. NRDC was awarded the Green Lease Leaders silver recognition in both the landlord and tenant categories in  2018, highlighting the organization’s dedication to continual improvement in building sustainability.

Through the Green Lease Leaders program, IMT and the DOE Better Buildings Alliance  provide a blueprint for pushing past obstacles to ensure ‘green’ language is included in present and future lease negotiations. The language focuses primarily on high-performance objectives while aligning with certifications such as ENERGY STAR®, LEED and GBI rating points. Leases can be used as a smart tool to achieve energy and water savings, reduce occupancy costs, and increase tenant retention. With the successful integration of a green lease, IMT estimates a reduction in utility bill costs by 11-22 percent in U.S. offices. For NRDC, reductions associated with a green lease equates to cost savings and conservation of natural resources, which brings us closer to our goal of a net-zero energy real estate portfolio by 2020.

The importance NRDC places on sustainable business operations is demonstrated through our negotiation of commercial leases, as well as achieving numerous green building ratings in our offices ranging from New York to Beijing. NRDC seeks to be a partner and team player alongside other commercial landlords, tenants, brokers, and property managers in reducing the ecological footprint of buildings.

How is your next lease going to change the energy profile of your building?