For a company like REI, whose customer base is made up of outdoors enthusiasts and conservationists, it is crucial to operate in an environmentally friendly manner. REI has committed to sustainable building and affirmed this promise with the 207 presentation of a new, redesigned store in Boulder, Colorado. Commercial real estate companies in Boulder are aware of the positive ramifications of building using green techniques. This REI store was built as a sort of working laboratory to monitor and measure such green building techniques. The Boulder store gave way to a second prototype store in Round Rock, Texas. The Round Rock store is estimated to consume 48 percent less energy than a typical store that meets industry standards. The location generates approximately 13 percent of the store's electricity and 70 percent of the hot water from a building integrated photovoltaic system, solar panel installation and a solar hot water system. Not to mention, the store is actually saving money. Dean Iwata, the director of store development for REI reports they have achieved just less than 50% energy savings, which is a lot considering how much energy goes into a store as large as REI.
Both stores are part of the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) evaluation criteria. With people becoming much more environmentally conscious, LEED certification has become a huge part of commercial real estate. Boulder, Colorado is a city full of environmentally conscious people and REI has become not only a meeting place of for people but also an icon for environmentally sustainable construction. Its smart design is aimed at energy efficiency, water conservation and indoor air quality; the materials used have been chosen for their minimal impact on the environment. Energy savings and sustainability also has proven to boost REI's employee and customer satisfaction. Surveys undertaken following the Boulder remodeling revealed that satisfaction went up in every category. The Boulder, Colorado commercial real estate industry views REI as an example of an excellent investment because of its LEED certification and satisfied clientele.
Michael Bittner, owner of Bittner Commercial Advisors, Inc. has earned an outstanding reputation as an investment partner to some of Boulder's most successful Commercial Real Estate companies. His professional experience of over twenty years in Boulder, Colorado Commercial Real Estate transactions affords you an easy way to invest and hold Commercial Real Estate as a productive part of your investment portfolio.
