Westlake Is Committed To Green Living and Working to Enhance Your Investment

Administration/Back Office

Westlake adopted an advanced, paperless document management system that leverages the capabilities Internet-based software and digital imaging-dramatically reducing our paper use. Web-enabled tenants (or our on-site property management staff) can access our work order system to request repairs to their units and track the response of maintenance staff. On-site staff offices contain paper-recycling bins, and staff is mandated to do double-sided copying and printing.

"Green" Certification

Westlake's senior construction and maintenance personnel are all working toward their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications. Our company as a whole is committed to building and sustaining high-performance green projects that are healthy, productive places in which to live and work. Because tenants in commercial buildings can control only a portion of their surroundings, we are going the last mile in creating working/living/leisure spaces that are not only cost-effective to operate and maintain but also have a reduced environmental footprint.

Energy Conservation and Health

As a "California Fit Business," Westlake supports walking and bicycling for recreation and performing errands.

Below are some of the approaches we typically propose to owners to enhance their operational cost ratio. By utilizing recycled materials and energy saving practices owners can decrease their carbon footprint while benefiting the health of tenants.

• Furniture and carpeting - Install carpeting made of recycled plastic, doormats made of recycled tires, and linoleum, which is fabricated from flax. Carpeting and tile can be installed without the use of adhesives. Use paints that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in both common areas and individual units. Use furniture in common areas made of recycled materials such as shipping pallets.
• Appliances and fixtures - All appliances in individual units and common or staff areas should carry the well-known Energy Star certification. Low-flow toilets and water-saving showerheads will be installed in individual units. Automatic faucets to be installed in common area bathrooms.
• Lighting – In general, our choice of lighting is designed to minimize energy use while providing pleasant light quality. Common area and staff office lighting to be controlled by motion sensors. Lighting on the exteriors of the buildings will be solar-powered. Where possible, we typically select fluorescent up lighting, because it provides shadow-free, low-glare light that is particularly effective where computers are used. We will also choose fixtures that emit a small amount of down light. This creates visual interest and also increases energy efficiency.
• Landscaping - Use xeriscape - plants that require very little water - the development with California native plants and install a rainwater collection system designed to dramatically reduce water consumption and comply with all relevant City of Oakland water conservation measures.
• Signage - Unit number signs be made of recycled glass.

"Green Education"

During pre-move in orientation, property management staff will educate tenants about water conservation and how to save on their utility bills through energy-saving thermostat settings and the proper use and care of appliances.

Recycling Services

Westlake's goal is to make it easy for tenants to be good environmental stewards. Each building will have conveniently-located recycling bins made of HDPE plastic, as well as standard dumpsters.