Commercial, Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Solar  -  November 9, 2023

Easterly Government Properties Lowers Emissions With Efficiency Programs

Easterly Government Properties, Inc., an integrated real estate investment trust focused primarily on the acquisition, development and management of Class A commercial properties leased to U.S. government agencies, announced several projects to lower its emissions.

The company committed to making LED retrofits, HVAC upgrades, building automation and management system optimization and operational efficiency adjustments to reach its goal of reducing energy consumption by 10% by 2030.

In 2022, Easterly continued to generate solar energy from multiple properties in its portfolio and analyzed additional opportunities for renewable energy at other sites.

The company also has energy conservation programs in place to target efficiency opportunities at its commercial properties. The programs include upgrades such as LED lights, HVAC replacements, building automation/management systems (BAS/BMS) optimization and general operating adjustments. These projects are analyzed in conjunction with specific property and tenant needs to ensure the company is on track with efficiency projects. 

Easterly intends to analyze additional opportunities for solar across the portfolio, including analyzing viability of power purchase agreements (PPAs), onsite ownership, and community solar. The company is currently engaging in a portfolio-wide analysis to match age of roof, lease terms, and viability of solar installation to better understand which properties may be good candidates. 

From 2020 to 2021, the company saw an 86% year-over-year increase in the number of ENERGY STAR certifications received and another 23% increase from 2021 to 2022.

In 2022, Easterly was named a Silver Level Green Lease Leader by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Better Buildings Alliance and the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT). The Green Lease Leaders program sets national standards for what constitutes a green lease and recognizes landlords and tenants who incorporate collaborative lease clauses focused on actions such as energy efficiency, cost savings, air quality, and general sustainability in buildings.

The company was also recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR Certification Nation as a Premier Level recipient for having 16 ENERGY STAR certified buildings in 2022.

Details were released in its annual Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report.

“Setting sustainability goals last year in our inaugural ESG Report was a tremendous first step for Easterly,” said William C. Trimble, III, Easterly’s CEO, in a statement. “This year’s ESG Report features notable successes, including our proactive approach to sustainable building assessments, our Company’s increased philanthropic activities, and our employees’ own health and fitness pursuits. It has been a rewarding year, and we look forward to continuing this momentum next year and beyond.”