EARTH DAY NEWSLETTER
2025 Edition | April 22, 2025
OUR POWER, OUR PLANET
Earth Day 2025 comes at a critical time for our planet and the movement to create a sustainable ecosystem for our future. Now more than ever, it is vital that we understand the effects of our actions on our environment and take steps to reduce the depletion of the Earth’s finite resources. The theme of Earth Day 2025 is OUR POWER, OUR PLANET, which focuses on the Earth’s renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal and tidal energy. At NGE, we join the call to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030, and we’re proud of the actions we’ve taken as a firm to reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy. We can also make a difference as individuals – by making energy-saving choices in our homes, by educating ourselves and others about the need for renewable energy, and advocating for businesses and governments to use and promote renewable energy.
At NGE, our commitment to sustainability is powered by our belief in a healthier planet. Our new office at The Bell embodies this ethos and the theme of ‘Our Power. Our Planet.’ From a variable refrigerant flow system and new double-paned argon-gas windows to renewable energy sources, reused furniture, and zero-carbon materials, every decision we make is a step towards reducing our carbon footprint and setting new standards in the legal industry. We are committed to using our power to create a lasting positive impact on our planet.”
RECOMMENDATIONS AND RESOURCES
Reducing energy usage and supporting the use of renewable energy sources are two ways that you can contribute to sustainability — invoking the theme of Earth Day 2025: Our Power, Our Planet. As our planet tries to move toward renewable energy sources, there are many accessible ways to use renewable energy on a personal basis in your home, business, and community.
YOU CAN REDUCE YOUR ENERGY CONSUMPTION BY MAKING SIMPLE, SMALL CHANGES IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY ROUTINE AT HOME. FOR EXAMPLE:
• Unplug devices and appliances when you’re not using them.
• Turn the lights off when you are not in a room. Or consider switching to lights with motion sensors, such as in outdoor areas or garages.
• Switch to energy-efficient appliances. ENERGY STAR certified products are certified following strict specifications set by the U.S. EPA in order to reduce the energy usage of the appliance.
• Use your electricity during non-peak times. This reduces the overall strain on the power grid and the actual cost of your electricity is less expensive during these hours. Typically, non-peak hours are from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
YOU CAN ALSO REDUCE YOUR RELIANCE ON NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY WHETHER YOU OWN OR RENT YOUR HOME.
• If you own your home, consider installing solar panels. There are many deals and credits offered through your utility company and from the government to encourage more people to switch. Learn more >
• If you rent your home or own a unit in a building and ComEd is your electricity provider, you can connect to ComEd’s shared “Community Solar” grid. Through ComEd, you can subscribe to a community solar project in which a local solar farm provides energy to the main energy grid, which is dispensed via ComEd back to subscribers. Your account is then credited for using renewable energy for your electricity needs. Learn more >
TOGETHER, OUR POWER CAN PROTECT OUR PLANET.
SONIA MENON Chief Operating Officer
NGE’S COMMITMENT THROUGH ACTION
NEW BUILDING SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS
A VISION FOR SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
Our upcoming move to The Bell, a newly renovated Chicago landmark building, is not just about changing our address; it’s about transforming our workspace to align with our values and sustainability goals.
Our journey began with a vision to create a workspace that embodies our commitment to sustainability. From the outset, we knew that every decision we made would reflect our dedication to the environment. At the heart of our project is the belief that everyone has the right to light, a principle that significantly influenced our design process. We designed our new space to maximize the use of natural light, reducing our reliance on artificial lighting and minimizing energy consumption. This approach not only enhances the well-being of our occupants but also contributes to a healthier planet.
SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION AND WASTE DIVERSION
Material selection was key to our sustainability goals in this project. Our general contractor and design consultants worked closely to select sustainable materials and minimize waste. To date, we have diverted 97.876 tons of material from landfills, or 76% of the overall construction material. This includes brick, concrete, carpet, ceiling tile, corrugated metal, drywall, glass, paper, wood and plastic.
RECYCLED AND LOCALLY SOURCED MATERIALS
We meticulously selected materials and furniture from renowned sustainable brands such as Haworth, Andreu World, and Keilhauer, known for their innovative designs and lower environmental impact. We prioritized using recycled and locally sourced materials to reduce our carbon footprint.
For example, all glass and glazing were produced locally in a Chicago suburb, while all structural steel and cold-formed metal framing were made in Chicago. Additionally, all wood used in the project is FSC certified, sourced from sustainably harvested timber from managed forests within the USA and Canada. When it came to selecting the vendor for our demountable office front systems, our designers initially recommended a highly regarded European vendor with whom they had successfully collaborated on previous projects. However, to align with our sustainability goals
and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions impact, we decided to look closer to home. Ultimately, we selected a vendor from Ohio, who manufactured and delivered all the materials locally, further minimizing our environmental footprint. Another standout feature in our project is the use of EcoLogix® carpet tiles. These tiles are a sustainable alternative to urethane and PVC cushion backing systems, made with 100% post-consumer recycled content. Each square yard contains approximately 56 recycled PET plastic bottles. The guest chairs in our offices are made from Pure ECO® thermopolymer, which is 100% recycled material. This innovative use of polymer waste offers the same performance as traditional materials and is 100% recyclable at the end of its life cycle. The upholstery is made from Circular ONE® produced from yarn made from plastics derived from recycled bottles and textile waste.
Our commitment to sustainability extends to every detail, including our signage system. We chose Richlite for most of our signage, which is a durable and versatile material made from recycled and renewable forest products combined with thermosetting resin. Richlite is known for its high-impact resistance, impressive strength, and sustainability, making it the perfect choice for our eco-friendly signage. We used existing material remnants provided by our millworker Parenti, and stitched panels together to create our Club sign. Our wi-fi signage in our conference rooms is made of sawdust pucks. The sawdust pucks were produced by collecting wood waste material from the millwork on our project by our millworker Parenti, and then compressing the sawdust at a 16:1 ratio to form the pucks. Finally, we used Recrylic for a few larger signs. As a closed-loop recycling process, Recrylic is both 100% recycled and recyclable.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
In our pursuit of LEED Platinum Certification and Zero Carbon Certification, we implemented several key features to enhance energy efficiency and resource management. Our office is equipped with LED light fixtures with occupancy sensors and daylight controls, significantly reducing our energy consumption.
ADVANCED HVAC SYSTEMS AND RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
Our HVAC system features a state-of-the-art Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system, designed to optimize energy use and improve indoor air quality. We are committed to using renewable energy sources, such as wind Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) purchased from Constellation, to power our office. This decision further reduces our carbon footprint and supports the transition to cleaner energy.
WATER-EFFICIENT FIXTURES
Our office is equipped with touchless faucets and low-flow toilets, contributing to a 40% reduction in water consumption from the EPA baseline. These fixtures are part of our broader effort to conserve resources and promote sustainability.
SUSTAINABLE MOVING & DECOMMISSIONING PRACTICES
Our commitment to sustainability extends to our move process, as well. We partnered with Pickens-Kane, a moving company that shares our values and employs eco-friendly practices. Key aspects of our sustainable move include:
Reusable Packing Materials
We have completely eliminated singleuse packing materials for this project. Instead, we are utilizing reusable plastic crates, computer bags, and protective blankets, along with recyclable paper tape and recycled paper pads, leading to close to zero waste to landfill.
Recycling Programs
We are ensuring that any packing materials not reused are responsibly recycled in this project. Pickens-Kane utilizes a specific compactor machine for corrugated materials and recycling dumpsters for non-corrugated materials, guaranteeing that all packing materials are processed in an environmentally responsible manner.
Vehicle Efficiency & Route Optimization
Pickens-Kane uses modern diesel trucks optimized for fuel efficiency and maintains a strict no-idling policy to reduce emissions and conserve fuel. They plan their routes to minimize driving distance and emissions, and make every effort to complete moves in a single trip whenever possible.
Decommissioning
We are partnering with a decommissioning company to ensure that we are able to achieve close to 100% landfill diversion of our decommissioned furniture and office items through reuse, resale, donation, and recycling.
A GREENER FUTURE
Our move to The Bell is a significant step towards a greener future, reflecting our belief in the power of collective action to protect our planet. As we prepare to settle into our new home on May 1st, we remain committed to our mission of making the world a better place. Our sustainable building efforts are a powerful example of how we can harness our power to create a positive impact on our planet.
OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
In partnership with Green Project Technologies, we have been able to quantify our Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions for the past 5 years. We have dramatically decreased our Scope 2 emissions by purchasing 100% of our energy needs from green power sources, and have worked hard on reducing our Scope 3 emissions, which include all indirect emissions associated with our upstream and downstream operations. Over 5 years we have reduced our carbon footprint by 1,314.9 Mtons CO2 eq.
Using the EPA’s GHG equivalency calculator, this reduction is equivalent to:
3,348,471 miles driven by an average gasoline-powered passenger vehicle
21,742 tree seedlings grown for 10 years
274 homes’ electricity use for one year
tons of waste recycled instead of landfilled
106,305,422 smartphones charged
OUR SUSTAINABILITY SHARES
We are proud to highlight some ways that our NGE colleagues have shared their personal skills in support of sustainability this last year:
EVERY MILE COUNTS.
Our COO, Sonia Menon, is excited to share that her family is finally part of an all-electric car family. While they were proud owners of 1 EV, they recently swapped their 2nd gasoline powered car for an EV. She is happy to have a positive impact on the environment as it produces zero tailpipe emissions and has an overall lower carbon footprint even accounting for the electricity used to charge EVs.
BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR.
Administrative Assistant, Emily Murphy, already uses ecofriendly cleaning products in her home. And, after learning about Community Solar, through ComEd, she made the decision to connect her new apartment to the community solar grid. In addition, Emily volunteers with Urban River doing kayak cleanups in the Goose Island area of the Chicago River, which aims to turn urban waterways back into wildlife sanctuaries.
UPCYCLING, RECYCLING AND BICYCLING.
Lilian Bolanos, a member of our administrative staff, has made the conscientious effort to upcycle and recycle wherever she can in her daily life. She has found thrifting to be beneficial ways to cut expenses, as well as reduce waste from clothing manufacturing. She also reuses all jars and cans which has allowed her to cut down on plastic. In addition, she started learning how to can and freeze fresh foods properly which has cut down on food waste as well.
Lisa Gonzales, our Benefits Manager, and her family are actively involved with Working Bikes, a Chicago-based organization. Working Bikes revitalizes donated bicycles and redistributes them locally and globally, empowering communities with sustainable transportation. Since 1999, they have given new life to over 100,000 bicycles, reducing waste, pollution, and improving health. Every year, Working Bikes saves over 10,000 bikes from landfills, promoting environmental sustainability.
a total decrease of
1,314.9 Mtons CO2eq
OUR COMMUNITY EFFORTS
Cradles to Crayons Chicago – Winter Clothing Drive. This winter, our NGE colleagues donated over 75 coats, plus blankets, gloves, hats and other winter gear, in support of new Chicagoans not prepared for the winter weather in partnership with Cradles to Crayons Chicago. We are proud of our NGE Community for helping those in need while cleaning out our closets in a sustainable way.
Clean Up Give Back.
Through our longstanding partnership with local nonprofit Clean Up Give Back, NGE upcycles plastic bags to keep them out of landfills, waterways and natural habitats. Since we began this effort in 2022, we have collected and diverted 440 pounds of plastic bags and soft plastics, such as shipping materials and packaging, which were then upcycled into park benches. In addition, NGE continues to partner with Clean Up Give Back for our firm’s annual Park Clean-Up Day, leaving Schiller Woods better each year. Our colleagues and their families joined together on a beautiful Saturday in October to help our environment and return the park to its natural, intended habitat.
RTW Veterans Center – Fruit Donations. We are dedicated to supporting organizations that provide healthy options for our community members to thrive. We donated six cases of fruit to RTW Veterans Center during the holidays, which will help families grow to be strong and fit, while ensuring healthy food is not wasted.
CLIENT CORNER
A SUSTAINABILITY DISCUSSION WITH THE DERMOT COMPANY
Real Estate Partner Beth Radichel talks with Jane Cohen, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility & Communications. Dermot is a vertically integrated multifamily investment manager, owner, and operator of high-quality communities.
JANE COHEN Vice President of Corporate Responsibility & Communications
The Earth Day theme for 2025 is “Our Power, Our Planet.” What does that mean to Dermot in your efforts to be more sustainable?
For Dermot, the 2025 Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” serves as a reminder that we all have a part to play in creating a more sustainable future. Our commitment to sustainability is part of a holistic responsibility strategy that strengthens our investments and operations while also improving the quality of life for our residents and communities.
With a portfolio of over 7,800 apartments valued at approximately $5 billion, we recognize the scale of our impact and the importance of managing it thoughtfully. We don’t take our responsibility to our stakeholders or the environment lightly.
We take measurable and practical steps to meet our goals, from incorporating green building practices to investing in new technologies and more efficient building systems that reduce emissions and improve energy performance. These improvements also lead to better operational control, reduced utility costs, and stronger long-term financial performance, creating value for our investors. In addition, this strategy helps us manage risk and future-proof our buildings against regulatory, environmental, and market shifts. Ultimately, it’s about building a resilient portfolio that performs well financially, operates efficiently, and continues to serve as a safe, healthy, and comfortable place to live for decades to come.
Can you share more about the decision to recently make an investment in solar energy and the status of the project today?
We’re very excited about the recent completion of a $1.7 million solar energy system at Cordoba, a 454-unit luxury apartment community in South Florida that we own in partnership with BGO. The system was installed on the rooftops of two parking garages, transforming previously underutilized space into a productive energy asset.
We saw an opportunity to bring this technology to Cordoba as the advancements in materials and manufacturing have significantly improved efficiency and lowered the cost of solar systems.
At full operational capacity, the solar energy system is estimated to produce enough electricity to provide more than 50% of the energy needs for the entirety of the property’s common areas, including its extensive amenities.
Factoring in various scenarios surrounding rising utility costs, as well as investment tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Dermot approximates a ten-year payback on this installation—which is expected to have a 25-year lifespan. We’re proud of the outcome and are actively looking at opportunities to scale similar solutions across the portfolio.
What advice would you offer to other commercial real estate companies that are hoping to incorporate sustainable practices while navigating an ever-changing financial landscape?
In our experience, tapping into the right expertise and taking advantage of available incentives can go a long way in making sustainability goals more achievable and financially viable. There are real opportunities to reduce operating expenses, access funding support, and increase asset value by integrating sustainable practices into operations. In many cases, the return on investment is clear, with utility savings, tax incentives, and improved building performance driving both near-term financial benefits and long-term portfolio value.
For example, we’ve utilized Top Ops, a hands-on training program funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), which helps property teams identify and act on energy-saving opportunities. The program assesses properties and equips teams to better navigate regulations and manage utility costs. Strengthening staff expertise and energy management capabilities helps owners and developers meet both immediate conservation targets and long-term compliance requirements. While this program is specific to NY, more states and municipalities are enhancing and refining their sustainability standards and implementing similar initiatives.
At NGE, we’re making sustainability a firm priority and endeavor to find ways to regularly improve in our efforts. What are some of Dermot’s short- and long-term sustainability goals?
Dermot is committed to measurable and impactful progress as we execute our long-term decarbonization and resiliency strategy. By 2030, we aim to:
• Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity by 40% from 2020 baseline.
• Reduce energy intensity by 40% from 2020 baseline.
• Reduce water consumption intensity by 15% from 2020 baseline.
We are also working to achieve 100% green building certifications across our owned portfolio by 2027.
To learn more about The Dermot’s Company’s sustainable initiatives, visit the link: Dermot Company | Responsibility.
