Environmental Stewardship
Where people, planet, and purpose align.
At The Tower Companies, we take a holistic approach to sustainability, seeing the health of people and the planet as inseparable. Every decision we make is guided by a responsibility to elevate well-being and minimize environmental impact.
Sustainability at a Glance
4,294,782 kWh
of solar production onsite so far, enough to power the International Space Station for 5 years
147,136,500 gallons
saved since 2010, enough to fill 223 Olympic-sized swimming pools
981,033 lbs
of food scraps kept out of a landfill, which is the weight of 245 full-sized school buses
1828 L Street NW — Photo Credit: Danny Peck
As early adopters of LEED and Fitwel, we’ve paved the way in redefining what sustainable buildings can be. We continue to invest in healthy, high-performing spaces with features like real-time air and energy monitoring, sustainable transportation, and community gardens. For us, creating safer, cleaner, and healthier environments is not just part of our work — it’s who we are.
BLAIRS TOWNS
1st LEED Platinum® Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance™ certified multifamily project in the world
View Blairs TOWNS
2000 TOWER OAKS
1st LEED Platinum® multi-tenant office building in the DC metro
View 2000 TOWER OAKS
Our Sustainability Reports
For nearly 80 years, we have been driven by a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and active design. We see real estate as a powerful tool in addressing climate change and have set an ambitious goal: to fully decarbonize our property portfolio by our centennial celebration in 2047. We recognize that we cannot succeed alone; our goal with providing regular progress reports on our work to inspire others to join us in this critical endeavor to safeguard our shared planet.
“Behavioral Framework’s headquarters at 2000 Tower Oaks Blvd is in an absolutely beautiful building—modern, bright, and impeccably maintained. From the very beginning—lease negotiations, construction, and move-in—the management team was easy to work with and made the entire process seamless. They’ve continued to be supportive, responsive, and genuinely invested in our success. Our employees absolutely love our full-floor space and the building’s amenities. We all genuinely look forward to coming into the office because it’s such an enjoyable environment.“
Kyle West, CEO of Behavioral Framework
1828 L Street NW— Photo Credit: Ron Blunt
Healthy Spaces
At Tower, healthy spaces are core to how we design and operate. By blending natural materials and views throughout our buildings, with biophilic features like plants and green walls, we create spaces that support wellness inside and out. Our commitment extends to ongoing air quality monitoring and independent testing, earning us the Verified Healthy Building: Indoor Air mark year after year.
2000 Tower Oaks — Photo Credit: Danny Peck
Sustainable Lifestyle
Beyond the infrastructure, our properties are designed to foster healthy lifestyles. Bright, light-filled interiors uplift the mind, while bike paths, EV charging stations, and seamless public transit options make it easier to embrace active, eco-friendly lifestyles.
The Pearl — Photo Credit: John Harrington
Efficient Operations
We are committed to reducing the environmental footprint of our buildings with ambitious goals:
50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030
75% waste diversion by 2030
Net Zero Operations by 2047
Aligning with the ULI Greenpoint Net Zero Imperative, our strategy ensures healthier spaces and a more resilient future.
To achieve these goals, we prioritize strategies that minimize environmental impact while maximizing efficiency and well-being. Our high standards for sustainable operations reflect our long-term commitment to climate leadership.
Energy Management
Our approach to energy management centers around three key strategies:
Equipment Upgrades: Advanced solutions that help optimize energy consumption across our building systems.
Real-time Monitoring: Through continuous monitoring we ensure peak efficiency for a healthier environment.
Demand Response Programs: Our participation in local demand response initiatives helps bolster grid reliability by reducing building demand during critical periods of high grid use.
Eliminating Emissions
Since 2010, we have cut our operational Scope 1 gas usage by 33% and are committed to eliminating these emissions by 2047 as a part of our decarbonization strategy.
Some focus areas are:
High-efficiency Heating: Managing the heating load more effectively to match space conditions, both reduces today’s demand, and helps to facilitate future electronic alternatives.
Insulation and Enclosure Improvements: Reducing heating and cooling needs helps reduce the overall energy load, while improving comfort.
Reduction Currently Achieved
Reduction by 2030
Reduction by 2047
The Pearl & Blair House — Photo Credit: Eli Turner
1909 K Street — Photo Credit: Hometrack
Onsite Solar Power
Over the past decade, we have transformed our renewable energy portfolio, amassing over 2,600 solar panels that generate nearly a full gigawatt of energy annually.
The Pearl — Photo Credit: Eli Turner
Renewable Energy Commitment
For energy needs beyond what our solar arrays can supply, we secure offsite renewable power and invest in methane recapture projects, ensuring we fully offset our operational emissions from all power sources. Our greenhouse gas reporting is done annually via The Climate Registry.
Sonny’s Green — Photo Credit: John Harrington
Water Conservation
Managing water use in our region is critical to maintaining a healthy Rock Creek Park. We reduce demand by using WaterSense certified plumbing fixtures, monitoring consumption, and investing in native plants and landscaping that require minimal irrigation.
Waste Diversion
By 2030, we endeavor to divert at least 75% of waste away from landfills by offering residents, clients, and visitors convenient ways to recycle, compost, and donate items that are no longer needed. We partner with companies to provide sustainable disposal of water, and encourage everyone to recycle or compost through clear, informative signage.
The Blairs District offers composting to over 1,300 residents across our residential buildings. Check out our case study to learn more.
The Pearl — Photo Credit: John Harrington
Local Environment
We work in harmony with our surroundings, using native plants, pollinator friendly landscaping, less intensive irrigation, and stormwater mitigation strategies to work in sync with the natural world. At the same time, we create opportunities for residents to engage directly with nature through spaces like The Pearl’s Urban Farm and Blair Plaza’s Bloom Garden, places that promote healthy eating, physical activity, and everyday connection to the natural world.