GOODYEAR, AZ
Estrella Falls Plaza
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Macerich is taking sustainability concerns to heart and changing how it operates. The REIT has realized that even the smallest changes, like switching to energy saving light bulbs and choosing more environmentally friendly cleaning products, can be beneficial. Macerich has plans to produce its own on-site energy through wind turbines and local fuel cells as well as future plans to install solar panels on the covering of surface parking. Additionally, through strict recycling programs, Macerich has been able to recycle up to 83 percent of the materials used in its redevelopment projects.
 Leader in the Light
2007 Bronze Award Winner |
Macerich often tries to design buildings with more natural lighting as a means to save on energy consumption and also to improve employee and tenant productivity. In a study conducted in 2003 by the California Energy Commission, daylight integration improved building occupants’ productivity 13 percent to 20 percent.
Macerich has been able to recycle up to 83 percent of the materials used in its redevelopment projects.
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The changes that Macerich is making in how it constructs new developments are reflected in the company’s personnel. For example, the REIT has appointed a vice president of sustainability, Jeff Bedell. "Internally, we are exploring how we can make an impact across our portfolio rather than focusing our efforts on select projects," says Art Coppola, CEO and president. "As a first step, we have focused on elevating our internal expertise."
One of Macerich’s upcoming projects in Arizona, Estrella Falls, captures the essence of the company’s commitment to sustainability. A largely outdoor shopping center, Estrella Falls is meticulously designed to meet the needs of current residents while preserving flexibility to adapt to future growth in demand while committing to green ideology that is mindful of the environment and conscious of the health of the planet. "We are looking at how we incorporate sustainability into all of our properties and projects," Coppola says.
— Tara Anderson
