Sustainability

The green roof walking path of an apartment building looked at from a higher point in the building.

Leading the Way with Sustainable Design

We aim to positively impact our communities and make them better today and for future generations.

We recognize the development and construction of commercial buildings can have an impact on the environment. We respect the environment and strive to be a good steward, protecting natural resources and reducing potential negative impacts of our work.

Environmentally responsible design begins with a passion for and commitment to sustainability. With LEED accredited professionals in every discipline, we take an integrated, thoughtful approach where green strategies are ingrained in the entire decision-making process.

We are highly qualified in the design and construction of sustainable buildings. Our portfolio includes USGBC LEED, Fitwel and Green Globes certified projects.

Best Practices Approach

We follow a best practices approach that ensures sustainability is discussed on all projects. We incorporate sustainable strategies into our building programs by focusing on five areas throughout the development process:

sustainable site selection and planning
conservation of materials and resources
safeguarding water and water efficiency
energy efficiency and renewable energy
indoor environmental quality

A Cross-Functional Approach to Sustainability

Crossing multiple functions, our team of USGBC LEED accredited associates brings vast knowledge of sustainability from architectural design to construction project management.

Chris Cromos, LEED Green Associate
Senior Operations Manager
Matthew Bergstrom, AIA, LEED Green Associate
Senior Project Architect
Nick Lauters, LEED AP
Project Executive
Beth Duyvejonck, P.E., LEED AP
Regional Vice President
Oscar Healy, LEED AP
Regional Vice President
Tom Burke, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Senior Project Architect
Jeff Smith, LEED AP
Vice President
Jim Caesar, LEED AP
Regional Vice President
George Parrino, LEED AP BD+C
Project Executive
Dean Newins, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB
President & CEO
Alex Lord, LEED AP BD+C
Senior Project Manager
Scott Shifflett, LEED AP
Director
Josh Babiasz, CHST, LEED AP, CRIS
Director of Safety Management
Matthew Etcheson, AIA, LEED BD+C
Manager
Luke Albers, LEED AP BD+C
Project Executive
Pat Rumpza, LEED AP
Senior Project Manager
Tom Becker, P.E., LEED AP
President & CEO

In addition to our accredited professionals, we have the GREENteam, an associate engagement group focused on stewardship through sustainability, that includes cross-functional representation and focuses on our work, our associates and our offices.

Our facilities management associates and others also ensure sustainability is practiced within our offices. We have programs that support resource reuse and reduction and energy efficiency.

Our Portfolio of Certified Space

While we consider sustainability on every project, we have a large portfolio of certified projects. We have 63 USGBC LEED certified projects, including 29 LEED Gold projects at 9.1 million square feet and 23 LEED Silver projects at 6 million square feet. Our total portfolio of sustainably certified projects totals 22.4 million square feet.

Learn more about our sustainable projects

Recent News & Blog Posts

See All Sustainability News & Blog Posts

Dash Downers Grove Advances Sustainability & Healthy Living with Certifications

Dash Downers Grove, a 167-unit apartment building in Downers Grove, Illinois, features an impressive array of sustainability and wellness features and amenities – and the certifications to go with them. Read More
Headquarters Office Building Achieves ENERGY STAR Certification

This year, the building complex which includes our headquarters, Digital River and more companies received a score of 84, which signifies that it is more energy efficient than 84% of similar buildings nationwide. Read More
Building on 70 Years of Stewardship: Our Legacy of Philanthropy & Sustainability

Our work to achieve our mission is guided each and every day by six core values. We are committed to these values – they inform our actions and serve as a measure of our success. To us, how we do our work is just as important as what we deliver and achieve through our work. One of those core values is stewardship. Read More
Tollway Corporate Center Achieves Green Globe Certification

Tollway Corporate Center in North Aurora, Ill., isn’t your average industrial development – the first two buildings in the development have earned two Green Globes certifications each. Read More
GREENteam Advances Sustainability In & Out of Opus

Respecting the environment is one of the three focus areas in our corporate responsibility commitment. We strive to be a good steward of the environment, protecting natural resources and reducing negative impact. Our GREENteam is a resource for and advocate of all things sustainability at Opus. Read More
Responsible by Design: Our 2022 Annual Report

We recently codified our long-standing commitment to corporate responsibility. From how we operate our business to how we support our communities and people, our work is intentional and thoughtful, and we approach it with great purpose. Read More
19Nineteen Mile High Apartments: Achieving LEED & Fitwel Certifications in the Nick of Time

Starting construction right at the beginning of the pandemic, the team had to remain flexible to deliver 19Nineteen Mile High Apartments near Empower Field in Denver. That flexibility became key to meeting certification requirements added after the start. Read More
Jamie Gerber on Green Technologies

The Phoenix developer shared insights on a multifamily-focused podcast. Read More
Driven to Deliver: Environmentally-Responsible Buildings

Read a Q&A about sustainable buildings with Dean Newins, AIA, LEED AP, President & CEO of Architecture & Engineering. Read More
Acting Responsibly in Our Work: Our 2021 Stewardship Report

We’ve maintained our commitment to stewardship, including expanding our DEI work and community partnerships. Read More