EPA Recognizes Transwestern With 6th Consecutive ENERGY STAR® Sustained Excellence Award

HOUSTON, March 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Transwestern a 2011 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award in recognition of its continued leadership and commitment to operate buildings efficiently, create value for clients through a reduction in operating expenses, minimize waste and reduce their carbon footprint.  Transwestern's accomplishments will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 12, 2011.  Transwestern was previously recognized in 2004 and 2005 as an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year and in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 as a Sustained Excellence recipient - the first third-party commercial real estate services provider to achieve both designations.

"We hold our partnership with the EPA and ENERGY STAR in the highest regard and are delighted to receive this prestigious recognition for another year," said Larry P. Heard, Transwestern's president and chief executive officer.  "Transwestern is committed to proactive energy management and implementing industry-leading techniques to reduce overall energy consumption to the benefit of our clients and their portfolios.  This award is a testament to that commitment."

Transwestern, an ENERGY STAR partner since 1999, is being honored by the EPA for its long-term commitment to superior energy efficiency, performance proven operating procedures and outstanding annual results.  Transwestern continues to take action to provide clients with sustainable energy efficient solutions for their real estate and reduce its environmental footprint.  For 11 years, the firm's energy management practices - including many cutting edge no- and low-cost operational adjustments - have consistently reduced operating costs across the Transwestern managed portfolio by an average of 20 percent.  

According to Al Skodowski, senior vice president of Transwestern's sustainability services group, "Transwestern has a stewardship responsibility for a considerable volume of commercial office space.  With that comes the obligation to lower greenhouse gas emissions through high standards of operating procedures.  Utilizing the ENERGY STAR program within our portfolio has enabled us to do just that, while demonstrating to our clients that leadership through environmentally responsible building practices helps reduce their bottom line and overall operating costs."

Transwestern has proactively embraced the ENERGY STAR benchmarking program since 2002 as a valuable tool in reducing property operating costs and carbon dioxide emissions.  Transwestern's integrated approach allows the firm to quickly evaluate a building's performance and develop continuous improvement plans, maximizing the energy performance of the properties Transwestern manages, regardless of the age or class of the building. In 2010, Transwestern's property management portfolio had an average ENERGY STAR rating of 82; a two point increase over its 2009 average rating.  The firm has now benchmarked over 45 million square feet of office space across the country and 206 buildings possess the ENERGY STAR label.  Furthermore, Transwestern reduced energy consumption by 5.24 million kWh over the previous 12 months.

About Transwestern

Transwestern is one of the largest privately-held commercial real estate firms in the United States. A diversified operating company, Transwestern is active in the real estate service, development and investment management businesses. Transwestern creates value for clients through innovation, penetrating market intelligence and legendary service delivered by teams of local market experts. The firm has product specialties including office, industrial, retail, multifamily and healthcare, as well as a wholly-owned research affiliate, Delta Associates.

SOURCE Transwestern