"NorthMarq is committed to environmental stewardship and to lowering energy costs for our clients," says Lisa Dongoske, SVP of property management for NorthMarq. "This recognition is a clear indicator that this commitment is paying off and we're achieving our environmental protection and energy efficiency goals."

NorthMarq is committed to turning its assets into more efficient buildings, planning to take each property in its portfolio through an energy audit in 2009. Dongoske tells GlobeSt.com that NorthMarq sees this as crucial for three reasons. "One: Energy is the single largest expense in a property. Two: We have a strong desire and commitment to create sustainable practices in all of our properties. And Three: It is also at the top of our client's list of priorities in 2009 and beyond."

The properties include: Campbell Mithun Tower in Minneapolis, 8500 Normandale Lake Blvd. in Bloomington, Northland Executive Office Center in Bloomington, Butler Square in Minneapolis, 8300 Norman Center Dr. in Bloomington, 505 Waterford Park in Plymouth, 8000 Norman Center Dr. in Bloomington, France Place in Bloomington, Golden Hills Office Center in Golden Valley, Edinborough Corporate Center in Edina, Plymouth Woods Office Center and Southdale Place in Edina.

Each property was individually accessed and then changes were made as necessary while discussing the options with the owner teams. Dongoske tells GlobeSt.com that some of the buildings were already running at high efficiency levels. "Others went through major mechanical overhauls – new chillers, boilers, etc. Others fell somewhere in between," she says. "In one case, we decided to have an infrared study of a property roof to determine where the heat was escaping."

The building pictured, Northland Executive Office Center, was built in 1981 and was one of the most challenging assets to turn green. "Buildings of that era are the hardest to retrofit to meet the requirements," Dongoske says. With a little extra foresight, the property, which is owned by United Properties, received an energy star rating of 78.

While these properties are all in Minnesota, Dongoske says it's not just about the state. "It goes beyond the Minnesota environment. We believe that by being a leader in Energy Star and sustainable practices, we will help convince others to jump on the bandwagon and create a larger impact in Minnesota and throughout the country."