Case Study: Sustainable Construction in Action

Case Study: Sustainable Construction in Action EQ’s industry-leading business model repositions current spaces rather than creates new spaces from scratch. We repurpose existing materials during redesigns with a holistic perspective, prioritizing sustainability in collaboration with our vendor partners and tenants.

When Compton YouthBuild asked us to redesign their space, we took an inventory of every product and component in local EQ campuses to identify what we could repurpose. Their center needed new furniture to replace the old, mismatched, uninspiring furnishings throughout the center. Because of a leaky roof, their ceiling tiles were stained. All of their shelving was also haphazard, worn and torn.

Rather than use brand new materials, we repurposed the following to transform Compton YouthBuild’s space:

• 36 linear feet of plastic laminate millwork relocated, valued at $40,000. • $125,000 worth of Knoll furniture. • 9,000 square feet of ceiling tiles. • Wood doors, frames and hardware for classrooms.

“We have a tenant who wanted exposed ceilings, and the ceiling tile was in great shape. So, instead of those going into a landfill, the students are going to help stack the ceiling tiles and we’ll reuse it. It’s a win-win.”

Lisa Foyston, EQ Office Director of Development Our team takes the same creative approach to sustainability that we do in every aspect of redesign and repositioning. In one space, the team was able to repurpose $190,500 of materials that would have ended up in a landfill. We diverted 47.83 tons of waste (91%) and incorporated thousands of recycled products into the new design.

Repurposed ceiling tiles, furniture and bookshelves in the Compton YouthBuild center. Photo credit Myshalae Lyons.

Reduce Water Consumption

Water conservation has never been more important. We have refined our efforts to save water and encourage conscious water use among our tenants at every property. In 2021, we faced unanticipated operational changes necessitated by COVID-19. Fewer occupants meant that our properties required more frequent flushing, which increased our water consumption in some areas. We’re confident that as occupancy rises, we’ll be able to reduce water use moving forward.

Inside report

Water Consumption19

Current Actual: 2% Reduction20

Goal: 5% Reduction Achievement Achieved 2% water reduction (278,551,528 gallons) to date.

Goal Reduce water consumption by 5% (to 270,210,908 gallons).

More information on our portfolio’s water consumption includes →

The kitchen area at CANVAS is always ready for tenants. Photo credit Ryan Garvin.

$1,839,000

spent on water with 3% savings.

93%

have reporting data for their whole campus versus a portion of the campus.

50%

implemented water efficiency projects between August 1, 2020–July 31, 2021.

66%

exclusively use low-flow sinks, toilets and urinals.

Develop Environmental Resiliency Plans

Environmental resiliency plans are central to preparing for and adapting to changing conditions. We know that withstanding and recovering from attacks, natural threats and disruptive events requires that we build resilience. EQ both assesses risk and resilience across each property while mitigating future challenges with extensive risk management plans. We set new standardized requirements across our portfolio with best-in-class practices from the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) 1600. These standards also account for local differences and needs based on geography and location.

Risk Assessment

Goal: 25% Properties

Current Actual: 100% Properties Goal Conduct risk assessments at 25% of portfolio properties.

Achievement 100% of properties participated in risk assessments.

We took additional steps to optimize resiliency, including ↓

100%

of properties are monitored by electronic security systems 24/7/365.

of buildings have a fire protection system that meets or exceeds code.

of buildings have a mass tenant notification system.

of buildings have team members who are cross-trained in facilities and engineering operations.

94%

of buildings educate tenants on emergency response and protective actions for life safety and ensure drills are conducted at all buildings.

95%

of buildings had all employees and thirdparty contractors completed an annual corporate cybersecurity training.

46

buildings wrote a physical security plan that describes security procedures.

92%

have uniform emergency plans that detail how to prepare for and respond to emergencies. We’ve taken action to create plans for buildings that need them.

95%

of buildings have a preventative maintenance program.