PARSIPPANY, N.J.—Wyndham Worldwide announced that nearly half of its domestic real estate portfolio by square footage now holds certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. Most recently, Wyndham Vacation Ownership, the company’s vacation ownership business unit, received its first-ever Gold certification for its headquarters building, Sea Harbor Office Center, in Orlando, Fla. The certification makes the building the largest LEED Commercial Interiors Gold level certified project in the state of Florida. And in December, RCI, a division of Wyndham Exchange & Rentals, achieved LEED certification for Existing Buildings, Operations and Maintenance for its Carmel, Ind., Vacation Plaza corporate offices.
“These two certifications mark another fantastic win for us in our ongoing dedication to sustainability and facility operational excellence,” said Frank Campana, Senior Vice President, Corporate Real Estate & Facilities, Wyndham Worldwide. “It reflects our overall commitment to adopt innovative practices that improve and sustain positive environmental results over time, as well as enhance our associates’ work-life environment.”
Wyndham Worldwide also received a Gold certification for its newest building on its corporate headquarters campus in Parsippany, N.J., in addition to its two previously received Silver-level LEED designations, making it the first and only company in New Jersey to hold LEED certifications in both Commercial Interiors and Existing Building Operations and Maintenance.
Energy Star Score Improves
As a result of the energy efficiency measures implemented, the Energy Star score for the corporate headquarters property was increased from 90 to 97, indicating it’s in the top 3 percent of buildings across the nation. Most recently, the company was named as the recipient of the 2013 Middle Atlantic Region Outstanding Building of the Year Award (TOBY) for best managed building from the Building Owners and Managers Assn., and advances as a finalist in the International Awards. This award recognizes excellence in building management, operational efficiency, tenant retention, emergency planning and community impact.
The Sea Harbor Office Center underwent a build-to-suit renovation, including sustainable design and office furnishings, energy efficiency and superior employee comfort, and diversion of construction waste from local landfills. The company uses LED and fluorescent lighting, is located near local public transportation, offers a carpooling program and has shaded garage parking.
Receiving 66 points out of 100, WVO achieved Gold Certification through:
• reducing its energy use for lighting by 32 percent and its energy use for HVAC by 31 percent;
• reducing water consumption 41 percent through the use of low-flow toilets, faucets and fitness center showers;
• controlling 88 percent of lighting through occupancy sensors;
• installing a heat reflective Energy Star-rated cool roof;
• Using 97 percent new Energy Star equipment and appliances;
• maximizing daylight and access to views;
• using low-emitting materials such as paints, sealants, adhesives, flooring, and engineered wood products; and
• implementing an ergonomics program focused on furniture options and associate coaching.
Since 2004, the Facilities Management team has been committed to making Vacation Plaza a more environmentally-friendly workplace through energy and water efficient building improvements—no small feat for a 41-year-old facility that originally served as a warehouse.
The Vacation Plaza certification was achieved through:
• reducing energy consumption by 29 percent;
• reducing domestic water consumption by more than 15 percent through water-efficient faucets and fixtures, and reducing outside water consumption by 50 percent with water-efficient irrigation and plant selections;
• developing an exterior building site maintenance program that requires the use of natural fertilizers, landscape waste to be diverted from landfills and the limited use of gas-powered tools; and
• instituting a sustainable purchasing policy that encourages the purchase of items such as lamps and other electronic goods and furniture which are environmentally friendly, conserve natural resources, minimize waste and reduce toxicity.
To further reduce its carbon footprint and energy usage, the office participates in a local electric utility service in which 100 percent of its electricity is generated by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
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