Arte Verde Recycled Art Contest in Honor of Earth Day
Presented by Allied Waste Services
 
LA PALMERA STORES AND RESTAURANTS -- GOING GREEN
Did you know the $50 million renovation of La Palmera will also make us more environmentally friendly? Not only are we going "green," we are also proud to be the first mall to be LEED pre-certified pursuing Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
La Palmera's project plans were "graded" for an appropriate level of LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council who sets "green" guidelines.
But what exactly does going "green" mean? Following are examples of how the LEED/green initiatives impact the environment as well as La Palmera shoppers and tenants.
Materials & Resources - Using renewable resources and creating less waste
• A mall-wide recycling program for tenants and shoppers
• Use of materials that are made of recycled content
• A construction waste management plan for all contractors
Sustainable Sites - Reuse of an existing structure and preservation of the surrounding environment
• Reusing 95% of the building reduces its carbon footprint by minimizing the amount of new materials required for renovations and minimizing the amount of waste going into the landfills
• 75% of construction waste has been diverted away from landfills and directed towards being reused or recycled
• 20% of construction materials incorporate recycled content and are from regional resources
Promoting Alternative Transportation - Less impact on the environment
• Just steps away from public transportation reducing the dependence on automobiles
• Bicycle racks provided for those choosing to use alternative transportation
• Preferred parking spaces for low-emitting vehicle (LEV) and fuel-efficient vehicles
Energy & Atmosphere - Using electricity more efficiently while reducing pollutants released into the atmosphere
• La Palmera will increase energy efficiency as well as tenant and customer comfort via new state-of-the-art HVAC and lighting systems
• The updated HVAC system is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by 2,375 tons per year, the equivalent of planting 715 acres of trees or taking 400 cars off our roads
• There will be an estimated 14% energy savings compared to a typically built project
• A minimum 35% of building electricity will come from renewable energy sources
• Energy savings by using regional materials, thereby reducing shipping distances
Water Efficiency - Being mindful of the public water supply
• Use of native and adapted plant species requiring less water
• High-efficiency irrigation systems saving over 50% of municipal water usage
• More than 30% reduction of potable water use through high-efficiency plumbing fixtures in all restrooms and service areas
Indoor Environmental Quality - Improved environmental quality for improved health
• Smoke-free environment
• Use of high efficiency filters to remove particulates from air
• Introducing natural light into common areas
• Use of low-emitting paints and carpets to reduce harmful toxins released into the air
Education - Ongoing efforts to promote green initiatives
• Encouraging tenants to build out their stores using green initiatives under the LEED Commercial Interiors program
• Public green education programs for La Palmera is in the works
The commitment to greener building practices reflects the purpose of Trademark Property Company: to enhance communities, enrich lives and be extraordinary stewards.
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