|
|
|
Welcome to Kirkwood's second Green Newsletter, back by popular demand! Ever wonder how building or being green could benefit you? In this issue, Jim Newman explains the four major benefits of green design and provides useful statistics that you can utilize in conversations with your clients.
Next, Kirkwood is closely tracking consumer demand for green technologies and we can help you design and implement a green marketing platform that differentiates -- and draws consumers to your property. Please drop us an email at info@kirkwoodgroup.com to let us know what you would like to see in future issues.
All the best in 2008,
Tracy Wick
The Kirkwood Group est. 1999
|
|
|
Four Major Benefits of Green Design
According to James L. Newman, LEED AP, Green Consultant and Managing Partner of Newman Consulting Group, there are four major benefits of Green Design:
1. Environmental.
Reduce the impacts of natural resource consumption
2. Health and Safety.
Enhance occupant comfort and health
3. Community.
Minimize strain on local infrastructure and improve quality of life
4. Cost. Improve both, the top and bottom lines
And, when you stop to think about it, there is a fifth benefit, usually not mentioned, which relates to the improved health and safety aspects of Green buildings-reduced potential for legal liability!
So, what are the average savings of Green buildings?
· Energy - 30%
· Greenhouse gas emissions - 35%
· Water use - 30-50%
· Waste costs - 50-90%
|
|
Green Mixed-Use Project Under Construction in Birmingham's Transforming Triangle District
Dierdre Greene Groves, Project Manager at Mosher Dolan Cataldo & Kelly, a Michigan-based commercial construction management and development firm, met with us to discuss how she selected an eco-friendly palette of exterior materials and interior finishes for 735 Forest Avenue (pictured below), a mixed-use three-story structure under construction in Birmingham's Triangle District.
Dierdre, what is unique about the location of 735 Forest?
735 Forest's location is a unique 'green' feature not only because of its urban location, but it is also a grayfield redevelopment. Unlike a brownfield, which is a contaminated site, a grayfield simply means that the site was previously developed. Reusing previously developed land rather than building on undeveloped land makes a significant, positive impact on our environment.
What are the building uses?
735 Forest is a multiple-use building with first floor commercial, second floor office, and third floor residential lofts. We are working with a notable chef who would like to open a bistro at retail grade.
Would you please outline the building's green features?
- Mixed-use designation
- White roof coating for high solar reflectance
- Exclusive Dow insulation system to reduce energy loss
- Light gauge steel framing
- Hybrid/electric vehicle parking
- Bike racks and changing rooms
- Close access to public transportation
- High performance, low-e glazing systems
- Easy accessibility to recycling
- Locally manufactured products
- Energy efficient mechanical system design
- Energy efficient lighting systems
For more information about 735 Forest's green program, or for information on available office space or residential lofts, please contact the Marketing Director tracy.wick@kirkwoodgroup.com.
|
Emphasizing EcoBenefits Will Distinguish Your Company or New Development
Many of us think we do a good job of promoting green living and its benefits, but Green Marketing goes beyond a list of environmentally friendly features. Here are three simple steps you can take to focus your green messaging and position your next campaign for success.
1. Make a list of how your company operates in an earth-friendly manner. For example, do you send e-invoices, provide resources electronically on your website, recycle office paper, utilize recycled paper, or work in a pedestrian-friendly urban setting that reduces employees' commutes or day trips?
2. Examine your office environment. Have you installed recycled carpeting such as Shaw Edge? Do you utilize energy efficient light bulbs or fixtures? Is your office flooded with natural light?
3. Do you volunteer or donate to environmental organizations? Highlighting your energy use in this important area allows you to 'walk your talk' and demonstrate your commitment.
|
|
|
|
For nearly a decade, The Kirkwood Group, a privately held real estate firm based in Ann Arbor, has provided marketing, advertising, and public relations services to commercial and residential developers, property owners, facility managers, and related industry partners. Please let us know how we may increase the marketability of your project, or the profitability of your operation, in the year 2008.
Sincerely,
|
| Tracy Wick, Vice President
The Kirkwood Group
tel. (734) 657-5345
|
|
|
