ENVIRONMENTAL
ESG STRATEGY
SOCIAL
GOVERNANCE
APPENDICES
INTRODUCTION
We implement water efficiency strategies to support our water reduction goals and minimize our impact on the environment. Our water efficiency initiatives include a combination of retrofits, submeters, and pilot technology.
Low-flow retrofits/upgrades As part of our standards, we continue to implement ultra-low- flow fixtures that we estimate to be 40–50% better than Code and are EPA WaterSense labeled.
Water submeters To monitor and measure water consumption by end use and identify areas for targeted reduction, we install water submeters for key water-using systems. We track progress from water efficiency upgrades, identify leaks from specific systems, and readily identify opportunities to increase water efficiency. Advanced software-based water use monitoring We have implemented an artificial intelligence software to detect and stop water leaks in select spaces, monitor water use, and analyze water use trends. This technology enables our property managers and engineers to expertly manage water consumption and make informed operational decisions in real time. As of December 31, 2021, 30% of our portfolio has implemented this smart technology. We plan to extend implementation of this technology across our entire portfolio to further reduce process water usage over the next year.
WATER The reduction of water consumption in buildings reduces overall environmental impact, drives operational cost savings, and contributes to the reduction of risk from fluctuations in water supply. Water usage reduction and water runoff quality and quantity management are critical issues. We address each of these through water processing, water fixtures, green roofs, and native xeriscape planting (where applicable). To implement our water policy and implement conservation initiatives we partner with our property managers and building engineers to understand the factors that influence asset water usage through collection of readily available information and inventory of all water fixtures, equipment, and systems and provide guidance on the following: • Set and track towards performance goals • Keep water data updated in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager • Fix identified leaks • Install or retrofit existing fixtures for ultra-low-flow models where possible • Ensure best practices for water conservation • Engage and educate tenants on opportunities for specifications and behaviors to drive water efficiency • Continue to research, pilot, and implement strategic water management technologies and strategies in base building and tenant spaces
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