Saving valuable time to meet ambitious sustainability goals
Shorenstein, a privately-owned real estate firm that owns and operates high-quality office, residential and mixed-use properties across the U.S., has a long-standing commitment to sustainable practices. After establishing clear baselines, Shorenstein decided a data-driven, tech-powered approach would elevate its sustainability program and provide clear metrics for returns on investment.
Challenge
With a longstanding commitment to protecting the environment, Shorenstein has sustainability data dating back to 2008. Before adopting Measurabl in 2015 as a tool to collect and centralize environmental performance data, this information was kept in massive spreadsheets that were difficult to manage and update. As the company’s Green Committee, co-founded by Bill Whitfield, began to blossom into an initiative with dedicated people and resources, Shorenstein needed a way to streamline its data and develop a holistic approach to sustainability.
Beyond taking a “check the box” approach — reporting to GRESB and maintaining certifications like ENERGY STAR — Shorenstein wanted to engage with investors, tenants, and other stakeholders and continue to implement programs to protect the environment. It also needed to maintain continuity as the team evolved and new employees joined the effort.
Our sustainability program would not be functional or successful without Measurabl. If it weren’t for Measurabl, I would have to hire another employee just to handle all the data.
Bill Whitfield General Manager and Sustainability Program Manager
Solution
For Shorenstein, reporting to GRESB was a must-do; investors have come to expect a score when they ask for it. Shorenstein didn’t have the bandwidth to continuously gather accurate ESG data and crunch all of the numbers manually. Measurabl offered a platform for centralizing and collecting that data automatically while improving data coverage and accuracy. Shorenstein simply would not have the ability to report to GRESB annually without Measurabl’s GRESB reporting tool, which eases the company’s burden substantially. With so much time saved, Shorenstein’s sustainability team can focus on attaining larger, more conceptual goals to reduce carbon emissions throughout its portfolio.
By 2025, the company aims to reduce both energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40% compared to its 2008 baseline. Shorenstein is beginning to use Measurabl’s targetsetting tool to compare current numbers with its vast historical data, and to ensure the company is on track to meet its goals. No matter who on the team needed to dive in and get involved with the data, Measurabl’s team was there to answer questions, troubleshoot, and help them learn to use the platform to meet their unique needs.
