The Expert in Sustainable Office Buildings and Campuses

Marc Wigder, Founder THE GREENHOUSE OFFICES

Marc Wigder acquired an east Boca Raton distressed office building out of foreclosure in 2012 that was largely vacant. A real estate corporate business attorney by trade, Wigder renovated the building, and noticed small businesses were naturally gravitating to this building because there simply aren’t many buildings with small office solutions. The building, with its eco-friendly setting, was branded The Greenhouse, where businesses are grown in a sustainable way, organically. In the last 10 years, he’s expanded The Greenhouse into commercial and residential assets on Florida’s Gulf Coast, and in several other cities countrywide.

ASustainable buildings are more efficient when it comes to energy consumption and supply consumption. By installing an energy management system, converting lighting to LED, and other initiatives, we’ve reduced energy costs by 30% and saved the equivalent of 500,000 lightbulbs. By converting to air hand dryers, we’ve saved tons of paper over the years. By using reflective paint and tint, we’re reducing heat load. Since we’ve implemented these energy-efficient programs, in the last 10 years we’ve had one electrical increase—the equivalent of six cents per square foot. We share those savings with our customers. Small steps become big wins.

AHomeowners can take similar steps in their own homes as well. The first thing I would recommend is to buy a programmable, inexpensive thermostat like a Nest or Honeywell. If you can save 30% on your energy consumption, your air-conditioning system will last 30% longer. There are now also energy-efficient appliances—refrigerators, washers and dryers—that are more efficient. There are solar roofing programs, too, where you can buy or lease solar equipment—and leasing and financing programs like PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing. Also, install LED lighting inside or solar lighting outside to light up your property for no added costs, as well as a solar pool heater. Over time, little steps at home or at work will add up to big wins—for everyone.