Introductory Comments for Liberty Property Trust

Introduced by Mayor Riley (Charleston, SC)

Our next awardee is doing amazing work both in your city and my home state. Independence Pointe in Greenville is a LEED-Silver rated building, the third highest rating for sustainable design.

As we continually develop our cities, it is remarkable to see how the skyline changes.  Here in Philadelphia, I imagine the view changes often with the addition of new skyscrapers, apartment towers, medical complexes and university buildings.

While many corporations and business complexes have chosen to spread out over the years, there are a few who see the value, convenience and sustainability of redeveloping in urban areas.  Some are particularly ambitious and even develop on abandoned lots or brownfield sites. 

Buildings account for more than one-third of America’s energy consumption and building construction waste accounts for about 25% of total municipal waste.  Changing the way we build to reduce waste and save energy is crucial to reducing green house gases, and it improves the working environment by reducing absenteeism and increasing productivity.

Some developments use remarkably less materials and generate less waste in the process.  Some developers choose to build green because they know the value it brings to their tenants.  Our next awardee is one such developer. 

Described by one of the Sustainability Award jurors as “the poster child for commercial green development,” this developer is responsible for developing what will be the tallest LEED-certified building in America, right here in Philadelphia. 

They are also known for regional developments such as One Crescent Drive at the Navy Yard.  This corporate complex uses 40% less energy than a typical office building of its size, and 30% less water.  It was constructed using 40% of its materials from local suppliers, saving long distance transportation costs.

Developments such as these create healthy work environments for the buildings occupants.  They also reduces on-going operating expenses, and benefit local and regional environmental quality.  Importantly, they broadcast that the myth that environmentally friendly, green buildings are are valued by the market – in fact, they produce a premium in value! 

So it is with great pleasure that I now announce Philadelphia Sustainability Award winner Liberty Property Trust.