|
HOUSTON, TX - To further its green and sustainability practices, PM Realty Group has accepted the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International’s 7-Point Challenge. BOMA recently presented its new plan and challenged members of the commercial real estate community to accept the plan as part of everyday business practice. The plan includes goals for building owners, managers and tenants that will aid in reducing the use of natural resources, non-renewable energy sources and waste production.
“PM Realty Group maintains a strong relationship with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and has adopted LEED wherever possible,” said Jimmy Gunn, PMRG president, property services. “We see implementing the principles of the 7-Point Challenge as a way of remaining a leader in the energy efficiency arena, meeting criteria for LEED certification and remaining dedicated to developing energy-saving programs for our clients. By combining the principles of the Challenge with our LEED efforts, PM Realty Group is able to maximize sustainability throughout our portfolios.”
PMRG is currently involved in LEED certification with 18 buildings. The company is also undertaking the task of developing an internal training program on LEED programs and USGBC efforts for all property services personnel, including managers, engineers and administrative staff.
“PMRG is committed to advising its clients and tenants on the benefits of going green and utilizing renewable energy,” said Gunn.
Benchmarks in the 7-Point Green Challenge include: decrease energy consumption by 30 percent across portfolios by 2012, employ the ENERGY STAR® metrics to benchmark energy performance and water usage, provide education to engineers, owners and operators, perform energy audits to implement low-risk and low-cost strategies, improve operations and building maintenance systems. Finally, as part of the plan, BOMA is asking members to work to position themselves as leaders and solution providers to owners and tenants.
“PM Realty Group has a strong commitment to positively impacting the environment and sees the 7-Point Challenge as a natural extension of our existing energy-saving programs,” said Gunn. “We are prepared to take this commitment to the next level. For years, the property services industry has focused on creating a safe and positive environment inside buildings. Current research has caused us to refocus our attention on the impact that our procedures and practices may have on the environment. We commend BOMA for taking the lead on making this a collaborative industry-wide effort.”
PM Realty Group historically has been involved with the ENERGY STAR® program and currently manages seven buildings that have been awarded the ENERGY STAR® rating.
“PM Realty Group is a proven leader on energy efficiency and environmental issues and we look forward to working with them on the goals put forward in the 7-Point Challenge,” said BOMA International Chairman and Chief Elected Officer Brenna S. Walraven, RPA, CPM, Executive Managing Director, National Property Management, USAA Real Estate Company. “Market transformation is achievable when organizations like PM Realty Group step up to the challenge.” | 
