Leaders within the retail real-estate industry have recognized the opportunities to save costs on energy and operations, improve their relationships with customers, and utilize alternative energy solutions, while reducing their environmental footprint. It is with this in mind that the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) is hosting the 2013 RetailGreen Conference & Trade Exposition on December 3-4, 2013 in Phoenix, Ariz., at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge & Spa, where they will also launch the new Property Efficiency Scorecard, a Web-based software that will set the benchmark for sustainability in retail real estate.
This year’s expanded conference will focus on how sustainability is changing the retail landscape, and how retailers and owners can improve their performance through sustainable actions, says ICSC.
“We are seeing more owners and developers taking steps to incorporate sustainable practices and increase their energy efficiency, which translates into a decrease in operating costs, and an increase in the overall value of an asset,” said Michael P. Kercheval, president and CEO of ICSC. “This conference is designed for anyone on the sustainability spectrum, whether they are a retailers looking for innovative green ideas, to developers who need sustainable solutions to maintain future success.”.
ICSC will launch the Property Efficiency Scorecard, which will set the benchmark for the sustainable performance of shopping centers. More than a year in the making, this Web-based scorecard will fill the gap left by existing building rating and certification systems that are not well suited to leased retail properties “The new ICSC Property Efficiency Scorecard is the only sustainability benchmarking and improvement tool uniquely tailored for multi-tenant retail buildings,” said Rudolph E. Milian, SCMD, SCSM, senior staff vice president, director of industry best practices. Designed by landlords for landlords, this scorecard helps shopping center owners implement solutions for operational efficiency and cost savings, such as energy, water, waste, recycling, and green cleaning.”
The two-day conference will feature the RetailGreen Academy, focusing on LEED for retail, moderated by Lisa Stanley, CEM, LEED AP O+M, vice president, product management, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Denver, Colo. In addition, there will be a RetailGreen Special Industry Group, trade exposition, roundtable discussions, and educational workshops.
Keynote presentations include “The Story of Stuff” with Annie Leonard, director, The Story of Stuff Project, Berkeley, Calif.; “Why Climate Wealth Has Started at Shopping Centers” with Jigar Shah, chief executive officer, Climate Wealth LLC, New York; and “The Game Changers – The Five Secrets of Speed and Growth” by best-selling author, Jason Jennings.
Educational workshops and sessions include:
“Behind the Mission Statement: Foundations of Green” will focus on the issues that drive stores and shopping centers to be green. Maureen Boyer, AIA, director of retail centers, Gensler, San Francisco, Calif., will moderate this panel.
“Industry Leaders: Raising the Bar” will feature Kristen Taddonio, commercial building energy alliance (CBEA) coordinator, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C., as the moderator. Panelists will discuss the leaders in the sustainability movement, including Forest City Enterprise’s food to fuel movement, Westfield’s eco-branding campaign and Walgreen’s net-zero energy store.
“Water: Landscape, Challenges and Opportunities” will discuss the current state of water use and scarcity in the U.S. and globally, and how to develop and implement practical solutions. This panel will be facilitated by Edward Doyle, AIA, MBA, LEED AP, lead program manager of sustainability, Target Architecture, Minneapolis, Minn.; and Sally Uren, Ph.D., chief executive, Forum for Future, London, United Kingdom.
“Sustainability: More Than Good Stewardship, It’s Good Business” will present three case studies from industry leaders who successfully implemented sustainable initiatives to impact net operating income. Scot W. Price, vice president of property management, The Rappaport Companies, McLean, Va., will moderate.
“It’s Not Easy Being Green” will feature Don Moseley, director of sustainable facilities, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Bentonville, Ark., as he gives his take on the world of sustainability.
Advanced registration fees for the ICSC 2013 RetailGreen Conference & Trade Exposition are $390 for members; $490 for non-members, by November 25, 2013. On-site registration is $490 for members; $620 for non-members. To register, contact ICSC’s Members Services Department at 646-728-3800, or register online.
