Billingsley Company's corporate office is working on several initiatives to turn our communities and especially our newest buildings as "green" as possible. We are leaning toward certification for Energy Star efficiencies, LEED certifications, and becoming a member of the U.S. Green Building Council. Why is it important for Billingsley to be eco-friendly? It is our worldwide and civic responsibility. We owe it to rising generations to start maintaining Earth's resources. The future of our planet depends on the actions we take to preserve the environment instead of demanding so much from it. Competitive Advantages of Green Building Lower construction costs by using fewer raw materials and less energy Lower operating costs – for example, efficient plumbing uses up to 50% less water Long-term value increases Employee engagement – appreciation of company efforts Fosters a healthy and productive environment for employees ROI on Green Building Case Studies* Through green renovation and day-lighting, it is possible to achieve 60% energy savings; a 7.5 year payback; 5% increase in productivity and a 45% drop in absenteeism. ROI = 100% A green research and development facility saved $350k per year on energy and achieved a 15% increase in productivity A $15,000 lighting upgrade resulted in energy savings of 65% and a 6% increase in productivity ($28,000 per year) How Billingsley is Being Environmentally Responsible Preserving green space and trees Following and exceeding city energy codes for building construction Building homes with paperless sheetrock and environmentally friendly paint and carpet products Conserving water: Watering grounds at Austin Ranch Apartments from our own watering well, thus, no depletion of the City's precious water supply. Installing lighting retrofits, energy-saving faucets, automatic light sensors, and energy-efficient HVAC systems Achieving EnergyStar® certification for single-family developments Storing files digitally and not printing emails, faxing documents, or filing hard copies Updating older computer hardware and installing newer and more energy-efficient hardware Environmental Leaders at Billingsley Larry Carr: Dallas Green Building Task Force member Project Development Managers expect LEED® certification by 2009 Billingsley Green Building Task Force: Lucy Billingsley- Partner Lucilo Peña- President of Development Larry Carr- Executive Vice President, Administration Becky Rowland- Vice President, Property Services Joel Austin- Vice President, General Manager One Arts Plaza Tom Holland- Project Manager Development Randy Johnson- Project Manager David Roberts- Accounts Receivable Clerk Source: *Greenland Sustainable Consulting "Leadership, Strategic Sustainable Development, & Green Building"