CoreNet, IFMA, Urban Green and AGRION present ESCOT

On June 4th, the New York Chapter of CoreNet Global, IFMA NYC, Urban Green Council and AGRION presented the ESCOT (Enabled Sustainable Community of Tomorrow) Sustainability Symposium. The event was held at Teknion, 631 Avenue of the Americas. Over 150 attendees had the opportunity to learn first-hand about new green technologies and services and spend one-on-one time with sustainability experts in an exhibit hall setting. Experts discussed a wide range of topics, including intelligent job sites, tenant energy efficiencies, BIM for lifecycle building management, building management efficiency and HVAC improvements, renewable energy/co-generation, climate change and building design, innovations in solid waste management, the intersection of sustainability and technology, supply chain and product sourcing, LED retrofit funding, and the Living Building Challenge. In addition, Robert Luckey, corporate senior vice president, pre-construction services, at Skanska, and Elizabeth Heider, AIA, LEED AP, senior vice president-green markets, discussed the advantages of sustainable structures, such as operational benefits, cost containment, and health benefits for tenants, which in turn affect workplace productivity. Noting that in the past, some owners have been reluctant to build green because of high costs, Luckey cited an overall trend toward reduced design and build costs as the market has matured. He added that the initial investment in sustainability can have a powerful impact on the future operating costs of a building. For example, the reduction of energy and water consumption can significantly lower long-term maintenance expenses. Building on Luckey's comments, Heider said that the financial benefits of creating a sustainable structure can be realized in six to 11 years. She also reminded the audience that a flourishing economy requires a healthy environment, and emphasized that today's developers, engineers, builders, planners and architects must take responsibility for the built environment. Quoting an ancient proverb, "We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children," Heider said that sustainability is not simply a smart business initiative, it is the right course of action that will have far-reaching impact on society as a whole. CoreNet Global's New York City chapter is the thought leader, forum and resource for corporate real estate professionals in New York City. The organization's mission is to advance innovation and professional development in corporate real estate.