An outdoor plaza at a mall An outdoor plaza at a mall

An efficiency program that reduce energy usage by nearly a third

In 2019, The Mall in Columbia received the “Certified Sustainable Property” distinction from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). Our initiatives led to a 27% reduction in total grid-purchased electricity consumption for the property when compared to 2014.

Energy savings results

27%

reduction in total grid purchased electricity

2.5M

kWh renewable power generated

22%

reduction in chiller energy usage

Small enhancements that make a big difference

We understand the importance of sustainability at our properties—not only positively impacting the environment, but simultaneously improving our customer experience. The Mall in Columbia is a prominent shopping destination in Columbia, Maryland, with over a million square feet of retail space and an impressive tenant mix including over 200 retailers. The property operates as a vibrant community center focusing on continued sustainable enhancements. 

At The Mall in Columbia, this includes small yet impactful decisions, such as switching to green cleaning products, and larger-scale projects such as:

  • A multi-year project to replace all acrylic skylights with thicker, double-layer laminated insulating glass skylights to enhance energy efficiency, which is expected to be completed in 2020
  • The installation of over 7,500 solar panels from 2016 to 2018, generating over 2.5 million kilowatt hours of renewable electricity in 2019
  • Upgrading chiller systems to state-of-the-art magnetic bearing chillers, representing a 22% efficiency improvement over standard high-efficiency chillers. The project, expected to be completed in 2020, also includes high-efficiency pumps and advanced building controls, resulting in a system that will drive future operating efficiency
A child runs by a store A child runs by a store