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Development Management

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Home  >  Services

Sustainability Practices

The GVA Kidder Mathews Sustainability Practice is committed to responsible development that encourages social, environmental and economic best practices.

We work closely with our clients to achieve sustainability, both within their existing operations and practices and in their real estate projects. We’re able to deliver a wide range of best practices and sustainability services including:

• Sustainability/Corporate Social Responsibility Assessments

• LEED Certification Management

• Consultant/Contractor Selection & Management

• Design Review

• Cost-Benefit Analysis

• Procurement Guidelines

• Employee Satisfaction/Productivity Strategies

• Training & Education Programs

• Marketing & Communications Support

We integrate our sustainability practices with our real estate projects to offer a seamless experience. We understand that every project is different and requires a unique set of strategies, skills and solutions. From site selection to occupancy, we offer comprehensive services throughout the real estate process:

• Corporate Services

• Tenant & Owner Representation

• Feasibility Studies

• Needs Analysis / Programming

• Market Analysis

• Broker

• Site Selection / Lease Negotiation

• Design Charrettes / Public Meeting Facilitation

• Consultant/Contractor Selection & Management

• Marketing & Communications Support

Our Sustainability Practice professionals are LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs). The LEED Professional Accreditation distinguishes building professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully steward the LEED certification process. The LEED AP program is administered by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) and requires participants to demonstrate a thorough understanding of green building techniques, the LEED Green Building Rating System, and the certification process.

GVA Kidder Mathews is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the pre-eminent organization in the United Sates in developing and certifying “green building” credentials. USGBC is dedicated to expanding green building practices and education, and its LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™.

Success Stories

CANDELA HOTEL & RESIDENCES: Sustainability consultant for a mixed-use tower that will incorporate an exclusive hotel and spa, private residences, and commercial uses. The project goal is LEED-NC Gold certification, and strategies include green roofs, living walls, solar energy collection, and wind power.

FENWICK & WEST, LLP: Managed the LEED strategy and certification process for this technology and life sciences law firm’s new offices in Seattle, WA. The project strives to achieve LEED for Commercial Interior Platinum Certification and some of the strategies include 95% site recycling; extensive use of recycled-content materials; 30% water savings; high indoor air quality standards; and an emphasis on occupant comfort with both daylight and views for nearly all employees.

The Hanover Company: Created and implemented a green building strategy for a leading developer in Texas, for this luxury 27-story apartment building in Seattle, WA. The site was formerly contaminated and the project entailed extensive remediation to clean up the area. The building provides superior indoor air quality, recycled content materials, energy efficient building systems, water conserving fixtures and extensive natural daylight.

Microsoft Corporation:

• Advanta Campus: Completed multiple assignments for this 600,000 square foot new construction project in Bellevue, WA. In addition to being the green building consultant, acted as the liaison between the end-user and the real estate team to ensure programmatic requirements were met. Created and implemented an employee satisfaction and retention plan, which included a wellness program for 2,000 employees.  Environmental strategies included 95% construction waste being diverted from landfill; extensive use of recycled-content materials; high indoor air quality standards; and 30% water savings.

• City Center Plaza: Green building consultant for this 550,000 square foot build-out for Microsoft in downtown, Bellevue, WA. The project is targeting LEED for Commercial Interiors Silver certification and is pursuing strategies that maximize employee health, comfort and satisfaction.

• Corporate Social Responsibility: Assessed Microsoft’s worldwide Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities and identified new opportunities to expand their programs within the Real Estate & Facilities Department. The study focused on environmental performance (energy use, water use, materials, waste and transportation) and social performance (education, workplace strategy, health/safety and community affairs). The deliverables included a report card of current initiatives and a strategic plan for achieving sustainability goals.

LIVING WORKLAB: Microsoft’s WorkLab conducts experimental research on the future of the workplace to innovate a better workplace for employees and the environment. Providing sustainability consulting, recommendations included environmentally responsible design and construction techniques as well as creating lab testing vignettes on topics such as energy efficiency, day-lighting, and access to nature. A goal of the project is to create a carbon-neutral office environment.

Urban Green: Strategic planning consultant for a multi-agency steering committee chaired by joint City of Seattle and King County staff. The goal was to create a resource center and technical assistance facility to encourage green building design and responsible land-use practices.

Sun Valley Center for the Arts: Green building consultant for the museum’s new facility that was designed by Olsen Sundberg Kundig Allen. The project features 22,000 square feet of gallery, education and office spaces, as well as a large outdoor amphitheater.  The project is targeting LEED for New Construction Silver certification.