SUSTAINABILITY & GREEN BUILDING
As a U.S. Green Building Council Member (USGBC), Bond Companies employs building practices that ensure we maximize our carbon footprint. As a leader in the United States in sustainability, for more than a decade we have developed properties that consume fewer resources, reduce energy usage and offer accessibility to nearby public transit while still producing substantial investment performance. A prime example of our green building technique is the design and construction of a 100% carbon-neutral office development. Located in Los Angeles, it's recognized as California's first Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified commercial office space. Bond Companies was also honored in 2008 by the prestigious Urban Land Institute for one of our LEED designed properties, the Whole Foods Market located at the Center on Halsted in Chicago, Illinois. More recently, the Company's efforts in sustainability have led to the first LEED Gold center in suburban Chicago, Springbrook Prairie Pavilion located in Naperville, Illinois.
At Bond Companies, we believe that tomorrow is just as important as today. Our real estate developments are designed to both improve the way that communities thrive now and leave an enduring, positive legacy for generations to come. That's why we thoughtfully consider our sustainability practices before we commit to a new development or redevelopment.
WE RECYCLE
To cut down on unnecessary waste, Bond Companies incorporates recycled materials, including steel, concrete aggregate, insulation, drywall, etc., whenever possible into our design and construction process. We also strive to change tenant's recycling habits through education and introduction to local recycling options, from paper-only programs to those that recycle paper, cardboard, glass, plastics (codes 1-5), and metal. This ensures that almost all refuse is recycled, cutting down on landfills that directly impact the regional environment.
WE REUSE
Responsible building means every effort is made to minimize the use of synthetic products. Many of our developments include unique and eco-friendly flooring, such as cork floors made from 100% post-industrial waste.
Bond Companies researches products that are environmentally friendly and includes them where possible in our developments. Some examples include entry mats that are made of coir, a natural, renewable material from coconut husks; natural pebble flooring that is bonded with an indoor-air-quality-friendly resin product; and baseboards that are made from a recycled, formaldehyde-free MED wood product, or alternatively, are made from rubber, a natural, renewable resource.
Additionally, we strive for original structural preservation wherever possible.
WE REDUCE
We work hard to minimize our environmental impact during our design and construction process. We strive to incorporate or recycle a large percentage of our development's original, non-structural components, thereby reducing a significant amount of on-site construction waste. In addition, to reduce electricity usage, many of our developments are designed and constructed to take full advantage of natural lighting.
WE ARE WATER-FRIENDLY
Bond Companies developments often include high-efficiency fixtures for all water-supply systems to achieve a 30% reduction in water usage compared to Federal codes.
In most cases, the solutions are surprisingly simple. For example in an office setting, original 2.0 gallon-per-minute restroom faucets convert to ultra-efficient, 0.5 gallon-per-minute fixtures through the addition of a 50¢ flow aerator.