Hartz Mountain Industries Signs Agreement with EPA to Reduce Environmental Impact

Strategic Insights -

Hartz Mountain Industries, Inc., New Jersey's largest real estate development company, has signed an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to cut energy and water use and take other steps to reduce its environmental impacts. The agreement is a significant step towards promoting sustainability in operations, as buildings are responsible for close to half of the nation's greenhouse gas pollution. Under the agreement, Hartz will adopt environmentally friendly practices, such as promoting energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hartz Mountain Industries will join EPA's Energy Star and Waste Wise programs to minimize energy use and waste production.
  • The company will cut water use by installing low-flow plumbing fixtures and following EPA's GreenScapes guidelines to minimize water use in landscaping.
  • Hartz will maximize recycling and reuse of municipal solid waste, construction waste, and debris, and consider composting food waste.
  • The company will implement idling reduction measures in its own fleet and encourage its service vendors, contractors, and staff to do the same.
  • Hartz will require heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment to meet EPA Energy Star or similar performance guidelines and ban the use of chlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons.
  • The company will seek U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver or higher certification for its headquarters and Sheraton Suites project.
  • Hartz will consider solar energy on its buildings and brownfield sites, with existing solar panels preventing over 25 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
  • The company will submit an annual status report to EPA to determine the environmental benefits associated with its activities.

Statistics:

  • Buildings are responsible for close to half (45%) of the nation's greenhouse gas pollution.
  • Hartz has over 3.5 megawatts of solar panels installed, preventing over 25 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
  • EPA has reached similar agreements with over 15 entities, including the New York Jets, New York Giants, New York Mets, and Rutgers University.

Sources:

  • EPA: Hartz Mountain Industries, Inc. Signs Agreements with EPA to Reduce Environmental Impact. (March 11, 2023)
  • EPA: Region 2 (http://www.epa.gov/region02/greenteam/)
  • Facebook: EPA Region 2 (https://www.facebook.com/eparegion2)
  • Twitter: EPA Region 2 (@eparegion2)