TOLEDO, Ohio, Sep 08, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --Health Care REIT, Inc. (NYSE:HCN) announced today that it has been awarded LEED(R) Platinum, which is the highest such recognition established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for the company's efforts to make its Toledo corporate campus a model of energy efficiency and sustainability. LEED(R) is the nation's preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
Health Care REIT also announced the launch of its Green Arrow Energy Management Program, a new tenant program that promotes and rewards environmentally-conscious business practices for clients and tenants at company-owned facilities. The Green Arrow Energy Management Program is yet another in a series of sustainability and energy management initiatives supported by the company.
"During the last several years, we have positioned Health Care REIT to be the premier investor, developer, property manager and thought leader in senior housing and health care real estate. We are honored to be recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council for our commitment to identifying and implementing the most effective energy management and sustainable business strategies for our Toledo corporate campus," said George L. Chapman, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Health Care REIT.
The design features of Health Care REIT's high-performance corporate headquarters include a green roof system, use of natural lighting, solar field, retention pond, thermal storage, FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) wood, automated building controls, real time energy metering, solar thermal panels and a comprehensive recycling program.
The key energy efficiencies for Health Care REIT's corporate headquarters include:
- 32 percent reduction in energy consumption
- 40 percent reduction in water usage
- 100 percent reduction in potable water for irrigation
- 78 percent of construction waste diverted from landfills
- 20 percent of electricity supplied by PV solar array
- 84 percent of space receives natural light
The Green Arrow Energy Management Program, which will be implemented by the company's industry-leading property management group, is designed to increase energy conservation and promote sustainable, green practices. The program is intended to improve the delivery of health care by providing more healthful work and care environments. The fundamental elements of Green Arrow are the incorporation of sustainable business practices, renewable energy usage and sustainable development and construction initiatives among Health Care REIT's clients and tenants.
"Energy management and sustainability are integral to Health Care REIT's relationship investment strategy. The Green Arrow program demonstrates Health Care REIT's unwavering commitment to deliver innovation to our clients by providing them with the knowledge and capabilities to achieve lower energy cost and sustainable facility operations. We believe that these efforts will result in lower occupancy costs - savings that positively affect their bottom line," said John T. Thomas, Executive Vice President - Medical Facilities.
The pursuit and accomplishment of LEED(R) certification for its newly-renovated corporate headquarters, as well as the implementation of its new Green Arrow program, demonstrate Health Care REIT's industry-leading capabilities, as well as its ongoing commitment to sustainable business practices and environmental initiatives.
For more information about Health Care REIT's LEED(R) Platinum award and the Green Arrow program, including an interactive map highlighting the sustainability elements of the corporate headquarters and a video interview with Health Care REIT management, visit the sustainability page on the company's website at www.hcreit.com/sustainability.
About Health Care REIT, Inc.
Health Care REIT, Inc., an S&P 500 company with headquarters in Toledo, Ohio, is a real estate investment trust that invests across the full spectrum of senior housing and health care real estate. The company also provides an extensive array of property management and development services. As of June 30, 2011, the company's broadly diversified portfolio consisted of 868 properties in 45 states. More information is available on the company's website at www.hcreit.com.
About U.S. Green Building Council
The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council has advised Health Care REIT of the following information about its organization: USGBC is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. With a community comprising 80 local affiliates, more than 18,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 155,000 LEED(R) Professional Credential holders, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product from 2009-2013. USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students. Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.
About LEED(R)
The U.S. Green Building Council has advised Health Care REIT of the following information about LEED(R): The USGBC's LEED(R) green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. Over 32,000 projects are currently participating in the commercial and institutional LEED(R) rating systems, comprising over 9.6 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 114 countries. By using less energy, LEED(R)-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community. USGBC was co-founded by current President and CEO Rick Fedrizzi, who spent 25 years as a Fortune 500 executive. Under his 15-year leadership, the organization has become the preeminent green building, membership, policy, standards, influential, education and research organization in the nation.
SOURCE: Health Care REIT, Inc.
Health Care REIT, Inc. Jennifer Steiner, 419-247-2800 John Thomas, 419-247-2800