Related Companies Announces Nationwide Residential Smoke-Free Initiative

NEW YORK, June 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Related Companies today announced the launch of a portfolio-wide smoke free initiative for all of Related's over 40,000 luxury, workforce and affordable rental residences.  Related, the premier brand of luxury rental residences and multi-family housing, owns and operates buildings across the country in 17 states. Today's announcement follows the successful completion of a pilot program commenced in 2009 when Tribeca Green and The Sierra became the first New York City buildings in a premier asset class to establish this healthy living enhancement.

Jeff Brodsky, President of Related Management said, "In concert with Related's commitment to sustainability and the wellness of its residents, we are proud to have proactively instituted a smoke-free commitment nationally. As a company, we are constantly looking for new ways to improve our residents' quality-of-life. Since 2009, Related has initiated a smoke-free plan enhancing the indoor air quality in over 100 buildings representing approximately 20,000 residences. We are excited to be able to now make a firm commitment to include our entire residential portfolio in our smoke-free efforts."

The demand for smoke-free housing often exceeds the supply available, and over the past several years Related has worked to meet this demand by successfully converting and establishing smoke-free buildings at One Back Bay in Boston, 500 Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, and 1214 Fifth Avenue, Tribeca Green, Tribeca Park, The Lyric, The Sierra and 89 Murray in New York City. Beginning in June, as a natural extension of the company's brand promise of "expect more at home," new residents and their guests will be prohibited from smoking in their apartments or in any common areas of the buildings. And going forward, all renewals, where legally permissible, will include a smoke-free lease rider. The smoke-free policy will also apply to all of Related's future rental developments.

"Several of Related Companies' buildings in New York City have already been recognized as Healthy High Rises by the American Cancer Society," said Donald Distasio, Executive Vice President of the American Cancer Society's Eastern Division. "A nationwide commitment is a great next move by Related and illustrates their commitment to public health. This policy should serve as an example to other residential building owners across the country. There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke and the American Cancer Society applauds this action."

The Smoke-Free commitment continues Related's foray into groundbreaking advances in sustainability, wellness and lifestyle services, including the use of Green Seal cleaning products and low VOC paints in all of its apartments across the country, integrating one of the world's finest fitness brands, Equinox Fitness Clubs, into its luxury residential portfolio, as well as becoming the first New York City developer to offer no-fee credit card rental payment options to its residents.  Related is also committed to building sustainable buildings and reducing global carbon emissions by advancing clean energy generation, energy management and energy conservation throughout all of its properties.

SOURCE Related Companies