Jul 19 2016
Forest City Realty Trust, Inc., was recently named the 2015 Outstanding Multi-family Developer, as part of the annual LEED Homes Awards from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
The USGBC was established in 1993 to transform the way buildings are designed, constructed and operated through LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, the most widely used third-party verification for green buildings. The LEED Homes Awards recognize architects, developers, home builders and projects that have demonstrated leadership in the residential green building marketplace.
"As an owner, manager and developer of exceptional real estate, we have the tremendous privilege of creating the places and spaces where people experience their lives," said David J. LaRue, Forest City president and chief executive officer. "With that privilege, comes the opportunity to drive innovation in building performance to fully address how development projects interact with the surrounding community and how residents connect to both indoor and natural environments."
Forest City has achieved LEED certification for many property types, including office, retail, apartments and entire neighborhoods. The first of 25 total LEED projects was certified in 2006, and since then, eight residential communities – with more than 2,600 apartment homes – have been certified. Currently, Forest City has 11 additional multi-family developments – with more than 4,000 apartments – pursuing LEED certification.
"Homes represent a critical piece of the buildings industry and our daily life," said Rick Fedrizzi, chief executive officer and founding chair, USGBC. "We applaud these amazing honorees for their significant contribution to greening the residential sector by implementing strategies that positively impact the environment and enhance the health and wellbeing of their occupants."
The LEED for Homes rating system was created in 2008 as a way for single-family homes and multi-family buildings to achieve LEED certification, a process that involves multiple on-site inspections and diagnostic tests. More than 1.2 million residential units are currently participating in LEED.
Source: http://www.forestcity.net/