Sustainable Development
Sustainable Development is a broad term that is used to mean many different things. For Atapco, it’s developing and operating properties in environmentally and socially responsible ways that create shared long term value and growth for all stakeholders. We are committed to this concept and look at each new project as an opportunity to incorporate integrated “green” approaches that can maximize both economic and environmental performance.
As part of this commitment, we utilize the knowledge and experience of our in-house LEED Accredited Professionals to evaluate our current properties and implement improvements that result in higher efficiency, healthier environments and lower operating costs. Our stock of older buildings that were built before sustainable design initiatives came into practice provide us with the greatest opportunity to achieve greenhouse gas reductions and improvements in operational performance. Basic steps such as building-wide recycling programs, the use of renewable and re-used materials and resources for tenant improvements and the installation of lighting retrofits, occupancy sensors and 100kW photovoltaic solar arrays (see photo of our Christiana Executive Campus to the right) all go a long way to give these older buildings a new green lease on life.
When developing new properties, we utilize that same practical experience to implement green design standards and building technologies into all of our projects, not just those which are LEED Certified. These practices result in high-quality, high-performance buildings that enhance the well-being of its occupants, the environment and the community.
Our East Gate Marketplace project is a shining example of our dedication to sustainable design and building practices. The 26,000 square foot Harris-Teeter anchored shopping center located in Loudoun County, Virginia received LEED Gold-CS certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) system for Core and Shell. We are proud to say that East Gate Marketplace is the first community shopping center in Virginia to achieve LEED Gold status. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, innovation in design and indoor environmental quality. To achieve LEED Gold certification, East Gate Marketplace met and/or exceeded all of the criteria for sustainable design and environmentally friendly construction practices set by the USGBC. Click here to learn more about East Gate's green design features.
