ENVIRONMENTAL
INTRODUCTION
ESG OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGY
SOCIAL
GOVERNANCE
APPENDICES
32
We commit to minimize waste generated at our properties through waste reduction, recycling, composting, donation, and other initiatives to divert waste from landfills. Our Waste Management Policy outlines the necessary steps for implementation, with responsibilities delegated to our property managers, project managers, custodial staff, tenants, and any third-party waste vendors to improve waste diversion. We place clearly labeled accessible bins for trash, paper, and combined plastic, metal, and glass recycling at all our assets and loading docks and comply with applicable local codes and regulations. The installation of waste decals from the Business Integrity Commission at our New York City properties provides an opportunity for us to identify single stream or separated recycling to assist building occupants and maintenance. We provide an array of education and engagement programs for our tenants on topics that include recycling, composting, donation programs, and special diversion of regulated waste such as lamps, batteries, and electronic waste.
WASTE
We deploy proactive practical waste diversion strategies that meet or exceed local regulations. We provide training and set best practices and standards for our employees and outside contractor teams to reduce overall waste generation and increase diversion rates. We identify opportunities to track and report waste at each property to ensure that all waste is collected and diverted in accordance with our guidelines. • We perform quarterly waste audits at 100% of our commercial buildings to understand waste performance and identify opportunities for improvement. • We implemented pilot compost programs with some of our largest tenants and offer furniture reuse and donation programs, and electronic waste collection opportunities to all. • We introduced a waste management pilot program at 111 West 33 rd , the Empire State Building, and One Grand Central Place, which: › Scores tenant waste infrastructure (DSNY LL87 compliance, points of waste generation, source separation of materials, contamination, additional waste reduction, and diversion opportunities) › Reviews scores with tenants and use the waste audit findings to recommend program adjustments, inform educational materials, and drive implementation • We hold monthly meetings to review findings, answer questions, and drive change • We host quarterly town hall meetings to improve program compliance • We introduced a program to help measure real-time data management of waste which uses scales to help track diversion and drive implementation of proper waste disposal • We align with LEED Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance
WASTE INITIATIVES
Tenant Pilot Waste Management Programs We partner with tenants to deploy waste management and composting programs to reduce the amount of landfill waste and food waste. We performed pilots in three commercial buildings in 2022 and received participation from LinkedIn, JCDecaux, COTY, Clearview Healthcare Partners, iCapital, and more.
Quarterly Waste Audits We partner with Great Forest to complete waste audits to verify and understand the waste performance at our buildings and identify opportunities to increase diversion rates.
Tenant Engagement and Education We provide education on waste management and recycling practices to ensure that our tenants are equipped with the knowledge to reduce waste. Some tenants that participated in the education programs in the past year are is LinkedIn, JCDecaux, iCapital, and COTY.
Building Staff Engagement
Our building staff annually receives training on proper waste management to ensure that waste and recycling is handled correctly from start to finish.
Monthly Waste Data and Diversion Rate Quarterly, we provide tenants with monthly waste data and diversion rates.
EMPIRE STATE REALTY TRUST: 2022 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
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