SAN FRANCISCO, CA - BRE Properties, Inc. (NYSE: BRE) today announced that its 5600 Wilshire apartment community in Los Angeles is the first multifamily property in Southern California to receive both LEED-NC v2.2 Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and GreenPoint Rated certification by Build It Green.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the USGBC's leading rating system for designing and constructing the world's greenest, most energy-efficient and high-performing buildings. GreenPoint Rated is a point-based system that evaluates energy efficiency, resource conservation, indoor air quality, water conservation and community.
"BRE is proud to receive LEED Silver certification and GreenPoint Rated certification for 5600 Wilshire because it represents our vision for energy-efficient, environmentally conscious multifamily development," said Stephen Dominiak, BRE's chief investment officer. "As long-time developers in California, we always have been sensitive and responsive to the needs and quality of life in the cities in which we live, work and build. Today, more than ever, that means green building practices certified by respected third parties, such as USGBC and Build It Green. Everyone involved - our neighbors, our residents, and our BRE associates and shareholders - benefits from sustainable, green development."
5600 Wilshire was designed by BRE Properties and Van Tilburg, Banvard & Soderbergh Architects to achieve LEED and GreenPoint Rated certifications for energy use, lighting, water, air quality and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies.
LEED and GreenPoint certification of 5600 Wilshire were based on a number of green design and construction features that have a positive impact on the property itself and the broader community. These features include:
Access to public transportation and bicycle storage;
Water efficient landscaping and water-use reduction;
High-performance thermal windows;
Energy efficiency;
Recycled content in construction materials;
Low-emitting paints, coatings and carpets; and
Innovation in building design.
The LEED Green Building Rating System(TM) is a feature-oriented rating system that awards buildings points for satisfying specified green building criteria in six major environmental categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality and innovation and design. LEED verifies environmental performance, occupant health and financial return. LEED was established for market leaders to design and construct buildings that protect and save precious resources, while also making good economic sense.
The GreenPoint rating process is a physical examination of building systems, structures, materials, and components to assess energy and water efficiency, indoor air quality, resource efficiency of materials and construction methods, and construction quality.
Source: BRE Properties