A critical component to “going green” is staying green. The period leading up to the renewal of a lease is an opportune time to revisit any sustainability or energy efficiency measures that you may have implemented previously to ensure that the anticipated results were achieved. Be aware that many mechanical and other building systems are prone to “energy drift” over time. Even if a building was perfectly tuned up with brand new automation systems and equipment at the beginning of a lease, the building is going to drift downward in its energy efficiency as thermostats are adjusted, temperature sensors fail, and filters get clogged. Determining whether the building systems have been, or will be, fixed or “re-commissioned,” is something to consider when looking at renewing or extending a lease.
