The first BREEAM USA In-Use certified building is The Oaks Shopping Center in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

The green building standard, administered by BRE America, measures and monitors environmental performance in existing facilities.

The Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) rating system has a 25-year track record of driving efficiency improvements in new and existing buildings around the world. The BREEAM USA In-Use standard is designed to address the 5.6 million pre-existing non-residential structures in the U.S. that are not currently able to benchmark sustainability efforts using a scientifically-based green building certification.

Together, developer Macerich, as well as management consultant RealFoundations and building auditor Healthy Buildings implemented the BREEAM In-Use standard at The Oaks. Looking ahead, Macerich plans to work with Healthy Buildings to certify other properties in the portfolio.

The Oaks, originally built in 1978 with renovations in 1993 and 2009, incorporates a wide range of environmental upgrades including:

• 6,000 solar panels producing 1,652 kW of power.
• LED Lighting with control protocols to minimize energy consumption and lower carbon footprint without any impact on shopping experience.
• Upgraded HVAC system minimizes energy usage.
• More than 500 tons of mixed recycling every year.
• Integrated thermal controls in the common areas and mall offices regulated to save energy while providing a comfortable work environment.

"With its clear dedication to sustainability in commercial real estate, it makes perfect sense that Macerich would have the first BREEAM USA In-Use certified building in the United States," said BRE America CEO Barry Giles. "We look forward to bringing the BREEAM USA In-Use registration and certification to properties across the country, because any building, no matter the size, age or performance level, benefits greatly from measuring and monitoring its environmental performance."