The Manulife Investment Management team is committed to increasing the efficiency of our real estate portfolio and minimizing our overall impact on the environment through the use of sustainable property management and development strategies.
As a long-term real estate owner with a global portfolio of almost 60 million square feet, the team is acutely aware of the environmental and economic benefits that can be realized through sustainable building design. Manulife Investment Management's new office tower developments target Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) as the basis for design, with a focus on reducing operational energy consumption.
In 2015, 55 West Monroe was awarded LEED Gold by the United States Green Building Council and recently recertified Gold in 2021. The statement solidifies our stance to be good and diligent stewards of our planet's natural resources. Displayed alongside our Mission Statement and Statement of Values in each of our management and leasing offices, it acts as a reminder to all our associates that they must do their part if our company is going to utilize and handle energy, water, and solid waste in the best possible ways. Perhaps most importantly, it provides a tool for others to hold our building accountable.
The team also knows the importance of achieving superior energy performance and has implemented strategies that helped the property earn ENERGY STAR rating.
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency voluntary program that helps businesses save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency. To earn the ENERGY STAR rating, 55 West Monroe implemented simple changes throughout the building to track energy and water use.
Studies have shown that ENERY STAR buildings use 35% less energy and cause 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than similar buildings.
55 West Monroe is also a designated BOMA 360 Performance Building. This program sets the standard worldwide for operational best practices in the commercial real estate industry, from exemplary operations & management to our focus on sustainability.
55 West Monroe was awarded Fitwel 1 Star Certification in January 2022. Fitwel is the world's leading certification system committed to building health for all. Generated by expert analysis of 5,600+ academic research studies, Fitwel is implementing a vision for a healthier future where all buildings and communities are enhanced to strengthen health and well-being. Certification represents our success in promoting occupant health and well-being by incorporating several evidence-based design and operations strategies that support the physical, mental, and social health of our tenants.
The Property was also awarded the Fitwel Viral Response Certification with Distinction in February 2022. Developed with input from health experts and industry leaders, this certification sets the industry standard for optimizing buildings in response to the broad health impacts of infectious respiratory diseases in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This achievement confirms our commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our tenants and employees and demonstrates that our policies and practices are optimized to mitigate the spread of contagious diseases at our property.
To learn more:
2017 Real Estate Sustainability Report (PDF)
2016 Sustainable Real Estate Policy (PDF)