The Oaks mall gains BREEAM USA In-use in pilot
Overview
The Oaks gained the BREEAM In-Use certification having demonstrated its commitment to energy and water efficiency among others. This was a pilot project for Macerich, with further BREEAM certifications to follow in future. The mall received a BREEAM rating of Very Good.
About
Macerich, a leading owner, operator and developer of major retail real estate, earned the #1 GRESB ranking in the North America Retail Sector in 2016 for the second consecutive year. As a market leader, Macerich is committed to doing more to reduce energy, waste and water in its properties. As such, Macerich aspires to certify its malls with a green building rating and enrolled The Oaks as one of the first assets registered with BREEAM USA.
Background
The Oaks was originally built in 1978 with renovations completed in 1993 and again in 2007. Macerich chose to pilot the BREEAM In-Use program on The Oaks because the efficiency upgrades in place are representative of others across its portfolio. The proximity to its corporate office also allowed significant interaction between Healthy Buildings, RealFoundations and Macerich teams.
The efficiency upgrades include:
In 2014, 6,000 solar panels were installed producing 1,652 kW of power
New LED lighting with control protocols in use to minimize energy consumption and lower carbon footprint without any impact on shopping experience
Upgraded HVAC system that minimizes energy usage
More than 500 tons of mixed recycled materials every year
Integrated thermal controls in common areas and mall offices regulated to save energy and still provide a comfortable working environment
Solutions
The BREEAM USA In-Use standard for existing buildings fits with Macerich’s “Innovating to Zero” approach to sustainability, with a long-term goal to generate zero energy, waste and near zero emissions in addition to zero water, waste and zero landfill impact within its portfolio of over 50 shopping malls.
Efficiency measures include:
100% LED lighting
20% of the building’s energy consumption comes from solar panels on the roof.
Water efficient fittings, including waterless urinals, low flow taps and appliances.
It is also well connected to the public transport network, providing customers with a range of sustainable transport alternatives.
John Seaton, Director of RealFoundations remarked: “In partnership with Macerich, RealFoundations completed an evaluation of BREEAM USA assessment methodology as the framework for Macerich to achieve sustainable performance through operational efficiency across their portfolio. BREEAM is the clear market leader with its dynamic real time scoring platform, continuous tracking of improved performance at the asset level and across the portfolio. BREEAM In-Use methodology proved without a doubt the right tool for Macerich to embed as they expand their corporate program.”
Simon Turner, CEO of Healthy Buildings remarked: “We at Healthy Buildings are delighted to support Macerich and BREEAM USA as they pioneer a practical and cost-effective sustainability program in the USA. It is often said that the leaders have to be first or best, or both. Between BREEAM and Macerich we have a powerful combination of experience and innovation. Our team looks forward to working with both organizations in the months and years to come.”
Benefits
While other US-based assessment tools do not offer in place shopping center ratings, the BREEAM In-Use program was robust and flexible enough to fit The Oaks’ parameters while also providing Macerich with immediate operational efficiencies that fully support its corporate goals. The BREEAM In-Use rating will help Macerich monitor and improve operating efficiency to maintain and improve its GRESB score for the North American retail sector and provide benchmarking across its whole portfolio in real time.