When the owner of South Park Mall spruced up the property, it also re-used concrete, recycled steel, and changed hundreds of light bulbs. Last week, Macerich celebrated the renovation project in Moline, and won an award for sustainability.
Jeff Bedell, Vice President of Sustainability, says whenever Macerich refurbishes a property, contractors must follow the company's energy efficiency program. At South Park, that included switching all exterior lighting fixtures to LED.
In addition, Bedell says Macerich's Strategic Energy Plans include the possibility of demolition.
After crews tore down the food court and Sears store, more than 90 percent of the leftover materials were re-used or recycled.
Macerich did not replace South Park's heating and cooling system. But it now uses "green" standards for cleaning supplies, pest control, and landscaping.