Jan 1 2009
USAA Real Estate Company is pleased to announce that the Federal Bureau of Investigation Regional Facility located in Chicago, Illinois has earned a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design for Existing Buildings (LEED EBOM) from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) at its highest, Platinum level.
The facility is the first Platinum recipient in the world under the USGBC's LEED EBOM. Not only is this the first USGBC EBOM Platinum rated facility, it is also the first LEED EB Platinum rated building in Chicago and one of only sixteen LEED EB Platinum projects in the world. Fifteen of these projects are currently located in the United States.
"This accomplishment is not just a culmination of the efforts of everyone on our team and our valued FBI and GSA partners, but it is a measure of our efforts to drive the business case for efficiency and sustainability," says Pat Duncan, Chairman and CEO of USAA Real Estate Company. "We continually strive to improve the financial and environmental performance of our real estate portfolio and in so doing, drive improved comfort, lower operating costs and provide a healthier environment and community for our tenants."
Property Management utilized USAA Real Estate Company's sustainability platform that allowed them to achieve the goals of reducing carbon emissions, promoting tenant satisfaction and awareness, thus lowering operating costs while still enhancing property value.
USAA Real Estate Company also acknowledges the FBI and the GSA for their assistance and support during their process to improve the building's environmental performance using the LEED rating system. USAA Real Estate Company's commitment to improving the efficiency and comfort of the portfolio is confirmed with the achievement of LEED EBOM Platinum, with RealCo's continued leadership with Energy Star (six time Energy Star Partner of the Year) and partnership with USGBC in the development of the LEED Portfolio Program.
"It's exciting for us to be part of such a significant achievement," said Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in Charge of the FBI's Chicago office. "The quality of service that USAA has provided since we occupied our new home over two years ago has been unparalleled, showing that it's possible to be environmentally friendly without sacrificing on service." Mr. Grant offered his congratulations to USAA Realty Management on receiving this recognition.
USAA Real Estate Company has over $5 billion of owned assets and provides co-investment and acquisition for corporate and institutional investors as well as capital to developers around the country. The USAA Real Estate Company portfolio consists of office, industrial, retail, multi-family and hotel properties. USAA Real Estate is a subsidiary of USAA, which has been serving military families since 1922 and has become one of America's leading financial services companies. For more information, please visit the website at http://www.usrealco.com.