Sustainable Amenities Office Tenants Wish For

In this month’s partnership, CPE and Kingsley Associates sought to find out how tenants really feel about sustainability in the office—what they like, what they wish they had and what they could do without.

“The building could do a better job providing recycling bins. Right now I believe all my bins are thrown in the garbage. I operate a print shop and I have lots of paper to recycle but no dedicated bin has been supplied.” –Office, New York

“All the interior lighting could be replaced with the longer lasting, reduced-energy bulbs. Maybe consider adding solar power to reduce tenants’ energy expenses.” –Office, Orlando, Fla.

“I’d like to see more electric vehicle charging areas added. Each structure has a handful that are typically full by mid-morning.” –Office, Irvine, Calif.

“I was happy to see compostable trash availability in the parking garage.  It would be nice to have it in the suites as well.  Perhaps a small sealed container to start.” –Office, Minneapolis

“Recycling is difficult. It would be wonderful if the park had a frequent recycling program so we can recycle electronic goods. Also, I used to work in a building where they had a battery recycling program where I can drop off used batteries anytime. It would be great to have it here also.” –Office, Bellevue, Wash.

“We would love to see recycling implemented here. This is very important for our environment and our community.” –Medical Office, Columbus, Ohio

“I appreciate the environmental improvement efforts of the management company such as composting, bees, etc.” –Office, San Diego

“It doesn’t feel like true progressive environmental policy is a priority. I’d like more recycling options, more opportunities for lights to be turned off during off hours.” –Office, New York

“We want to be responsible as a business to promote good practices. We recycle as much as possible and are conscious of water and electricity usage.” –Retail, Mesa, Ariz.

“The management team is very open to ideas.  I like the presentations they have done on recycling and their effort to implement this movement. The presentations inform the tenants, while bringing them together to get to know each other.” –Office, Boulder, Colo.

“The recycling initiative is a pretty low-bar. What is allowed to be in the recycling receptacles versus what the City recycles is unacceptable. For instance, rolled aluminum foil or to-go cardboard coffee cups with plastic lids should be able to be placed in the recycling receptacles.” –Office, Charlotte, N.C.

“I have not seen much in the way of sustainable measures around the building. No hand dryers, no LED lights, and no window upgrades to conserve heat losses.” –Office, San Antonio