From the implementation of autonomous building HVAC technologies in an effort to reduce energy consumption to hosting community festivals in support of local organizations, HOOPP’s real estate partners have demonstrated their commitment to supporting the sustainability goals of the Fund over the last year.
This week, HOOPP recognized the achievements of 10 real estate property managers at the 13th annual LEAP awards. As leaders in sustainability and innovation, the award winners have supported HOOPP in advancing key steps outlined in our climate strategy, as we work towards our goal of achieving net-zero portfolio emissions by 2050. Since 2012, we’ve awarded over 130 LEAP Awards, spanning topic areas of technological innovation, climate mitigation, community impact, tenant collaboration, operational performance and greenhouse gas reductions.
“Maintaining healthy and efficient properties is crucial to achieving HOOPP’s climate goals”, said Eric Plesman, Senior Managing Director & Head of Global Real Estate. “We are pleased that our partners continue to embrace innovative solutions that support us on our path to net zero.”
The theme of this year’s LEAP conference was Accelerating Momentum & Scaling Solutions. The theme highlights HOOPP’s focus on scaling our action and accelerating our progress and collective momentum towards reducing emissions. As the first and only investor-led real estate sustainability conference in Canada, LEAP gives attendees an opportunity to share learnings and success stories to help refine strategies and to encourage replication of effective strategies and solutions across HOOPP’s portfolio.
HOOPP has a responsibility, as a global leader in sustainable real estate practices, to drive positive change throughout the industry. With a focus on best-in-class, high-performing buildings in great locations, we continue to seek out opportunities to enhance our portfolio through the development of new properties and the improvement of existing ones.
Plesman added, “The LEAP Awards allow us to reflect on all of the accomplishments made in the last year, while also giving us a space to look at what the net-zero transition means for the future of our industry.”
Spanning approximately 60 million square feet, HOOPP incorporates sustainability practices across the real estate portfolio, which includes a global and diversified mix of industrial, residential, office alternative and retail space.
Learn more about HOOPP’s sustainability efforts.
The winners of this year’s LEAP Awards are:
Sustainability Achiever Award
Winner: The Amazing Brentwood (SHAPE)
Burnaby, British Columbia
For having the best overall performance on the Pillar Scorecard, HOOPP’s primary tool for tracking portfolio level performance.
GHG Performer Award
Winner: Vancouver Centre (GWL Realty Advisors Inc.)
Vancouver British Columbia
For achieving emissions reductions of 88% since 2019, exceeding industry benchmarks for building energy performance and being certified LEED Platinum.
Tenant Collaboration Award
Winner: Bellevue Connection (Unico Properties)
Bellevue, Washington
For collaborating with a major tenant during redevelopment of the property to achieve energy efficiency objectives, resulting in HVAC upgrades and the integration of daylight sensors.
Community Impact Award
Winner: ATB Place (Triovest)
Edmonton, Alberta
For hosting two community festivals to support local organizations and participating in multiple local volunteer opportunities at shelters, food and clothing drives as well as environmental clean ups.
Industrial Leader Award
Winner: The Logistics Campus (Dermody Properties)
Chicago, Illinois
For integrating material reuse initiatives and renewable energy generation throughout the building development process, sourcing building materials from neighboring projects which diverted 11,000 tons of metal, steel and copper from landfills.
Technology Innovator Award
Winner: Fifth & Fifth (GWL Realty Advisors Inc.)
Calgary, Alberta
For installing BrainBox AI, an autonomous building HVAC technology which optimizes building performance and reduces energy consumption.
Stakeholder Engagement Award
Winner: Mayflower Mall (McCor)
Sydney, Nova Scotia
For rewarding hardworking local students through their annual Shop of the Class program, partnering with the Membertou Mi’kmaq community to host a prayer and smudging ceremony, as well as providing space on property for emergency services to base themselves during Hurricane Fiona remediation efforts.
Sustainable Operator Award
Winner: 720 King Street West (Triovest)
Toronto, Ontario
For enhancing data analytics and automation capabilities, empowering operations teams to identify energy reduction opportunities in real-time.
Climate Leader Award
Winner: ExpoPark Hanover (Verdion)
Hanover, Germany
For identifying opportunities to integrate climate resiliency measures during the development of an industrial logistics facility targeting net-zero operational emissions.
Sustainability Fund Award
Winner: GID Industrial Value Fund (GID Industrial Investment Management LLC)
For developing an industrial lease with “green” aspects and clauses to support property-level sustainability practices as well as achieving Green Lease Leaders Gold in recognition of their leasing and engagement practices.
GHG Manager Award
Winner: 840 Howe Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
For implementing recommendations outlined in an energy study, and developing a plan that targets significant GHG reductions.
About the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan
HOOPP serves Ontario’s hospital and community-based healthcare sector, with more than 670 participating employers. Its membership includes nurses, medical technicians, food services staff, housekeeping staff, and many others who provide valued healthcare services. In total, HOOPP has more than 460,000 active, deferred and retired members.
HOOPP operates as a private independent trust, and its Board of Trustees governs the Plan and Fund, focusing on HOOPP’s mission to deliver on our pension promise. The Board is made up of appointees from the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) and four unions: the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA), the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the Ontario Public Service Employees' Union (OPSEU), and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). This governance model provides representation from both employers and members in support of the long-term interests of the Plan.
Contact:
Jackie Emick, Media Relations Advisor
jemick@hoopp.com