Real Property Association of Canada develops "Green Lease Guide for
Commercial Office Tenants", Releases updated version of Office GREENLEASE(TM)

TORONTO , Feb. 5 /CNW/ - REALpac is pleased to release the "Green Lease Guide for Commercial Office Tenants". The REALpac Green Lease Guide highlights what tenants in leased spaces ought to look for when selecting a building and what green elements to consider when designing a fitout and managing an office. The Guide was designed to be used in conjunction with the REALpac "Office GREENLEASE(TM) National Standard Lease for Single-Building Projects", originally released in June 2008 , and the first of its kind in North America , although the Guide can easily function as a standalone document. The REALpac Office GREENLEASE(TM) has also been updated and was released today as version 1.03.

"The REALpac Green Lease Guide, and the companion Office GREENLEASE(TM), encourage significantly reduced use of renewable and non-renewable resources by both landlord and tenants, and establish a more sustainable operating platform for office buildings, which is crucial to the future sustainability of our buildings and the success of our industry," said Michael Brooks , CEO of REALpac. "Leases have to be viewed as a major potential constraint to greening office buildings. If you don't get the rights and responsibilities, aspirations and collaborations, and standards and target certifications right at the outset, both Landlords and Tenants are going to feel that their hands are legally tied at some point in the relationship," he added.

The Guide showcases sustainable best practices and will help tenants avoid costly design mistakes, help strategic decision makers articulate their design requirements, hold project teams accountable for sustainability goals and objectives, fuel demand for quality buildings, and improve the energy efficiency and conservation practices of tenant operations.

The Guide has three sections: Section 1 explains what a "green lease" is and why it's of interest to tenants. The way tenants choose, design and manage their space can help their companies enhance their reputation, attract and retain employees, enhance employee wellbeing and productivity, enhance organizational knowledge, reduce liability, prepare for any possible future greenhouse gas emissions reporting, and reduce relocation costs. Section 2 outlines the most important characteristics the tenant should look for when selecting a building and a building manager, in regard to their management of indoor environment quality, energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, the landlord's strategy for reducing travel demand and car dependency, efficient water and waste management, and whether cleaning services are aligned with environmental objectives. Section 3 presents information on green features that tenants might want to consider in regard to leasehold improvements and why they ought to be selecting environmentally friendly options. Lighting, floor finishes, kitchen fitting and appliances, paints, sealants and adhesives, sub-meters and "smart" meters, indoor plants, office management and operation, green power and sustainable transport strategies, among other topics, are discussed. Corresponding checklists are provided throughout that can assist with each of the topics.

The REALpac "Green Lease Guide for Commercial Office Tenants", and the REALpac "Office GREENLEASE(TM) National Standard Lease for Single-Building Projects, v.1.03, 2010" are available as free downloads at www.realpac.ca.

About the Real Property Association of Canada

REALpac is Canada's premier industry association for investment real property leaders. REALpac's mission is to bring together the country's real property investment leaders to collectively influence public policy, to educate government and the public, and to ensure stable and beneficial real estate capital and property markets in Canada .

REALpac Members currently own in excess of CDN $150 Billion in real estate assets located in the major centres across Canada and include real estate investment trusts, publicly traded and large private companies, banks, brokerages, crown corporations, investment dealers, life companies, and pension funds. Visit REALpac at www.realpac.ca.

For further information: Michael Brooks, Chief Executive Officer, REALpac, [phone] x.225