The Ashforth Company
Building Better Communities...Together
ASHFORTH’S 2019
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
sustainability
The Ashforth Company has been aligned with our guiding principles of commitment, quality, people, and practices for 124 years. All are firmly embedded at the core of our daily operations. We are dedicated to not only meeting the needs
of our clients and partners, we are highly committed to ensuring we act with the utmost integrity and responsibility.
Our sustainability, philanthropy, and wellness efforts are built on our foundation of sound business practices and ethics.
Thank you to all our employees, clients, vendors, and partners for all you are doing to help build better communities. The following pages highlight Ashforth’s efforts in 2019 and our continued commitment to sustainability, philanthropy, and wellness. We welcome your thoughts and suggestions.
Together, we are all making a positive, long-term difference and we will continue working to do more.
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2The Ashforth Company
ASHFORTH’S 2019
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
Darrell Harvey Co-CEO
Andy Ashforth Co-CEO
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50% of their electricity generated from renewable resources
Through Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), Ashforth’s three owned properties in CT now purchase
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3The Ashforth Company
The Ashforth Company’s sustainability mission is to be stewards of our environment by taking responsible actions in our business, community and personal lives.
Ashforth has a long legacy of conservation, reducing energy and water usage, incorporating green products, and improving air quality. Through the guidance of our company leaders and Ashforth’s Green Council we remain committed to improving the sustainability of our operations, corporate offices, and our entire real estate portfolio. We work with our tenants, vendors, and owners to do the same. Ashforth believes our efficient building systems and equipment, amenities, and organization-wide environmentally responsible management approach will aid in preserving the environment for future generations.
ASHFORTH’S 2019
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
Sustainabilityt
•In 2019, through Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), Ashforth’s three owned properties in CT – 3001 Stamford Square, 707 Summer Street, and Greenwich Plaza – began purchasing 50% of their electricity generated from renewable resources.
•Ashforth partnered with Audubon Connecticut to renovate over an acre of landscaping on and bordering Greenwich Plaza – the “Urban Oasis” project – as a healthy habitat for migrating birds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
•Ashforth held its Annual Environmental Awareness Week event at our three owned CT buildings and one managed CT building. During the event, our employees and our tenants’ employees brought in 1,277 lbs (owned bldgs) of household e-waste for recycling. In addition, 12 bags of clothing were donated to Person-to-Person, 90 books were donated to Ferguson Library, and over 150 pairs of eyeglasses were donated to Stamford’s Lions Club.
•In 2019, Ashforth recycled 3.93 tons of e-waste – fluorescent lamps, electronics, and batteries at our three owned CT buildings, plus one managed CT building (an equivalent savings of 312,985 hours of electric usage).
•Ashforth e-mailed a bi-annual sustainability newsletter to our employees highlighting environ-mental information, trends and innovations, how-to suggestions, local events and initiatives, and recycling tips.
Ashforth has been tracking its utility performance since 2008. Each year, we’ve seen consistent improvement from continued efforts such as replacing and optimizing building systems & equipment and adding eco-friendly amenities. A national trend of increased density/employment count has caused measurable increases in utility usage. In addition, numerous factors such as weather, tenant type and occupancy, affect usage. However, through all variables Ashforth’s ongoing sustainability improvements and efforts have enabled us to keep increases to a minimum, and during the past year to reduce overall energy costs.
ELECTRIC USAGE
23.4 22.823.721.0
20162015 20182017
19.5
2019
GAS USAGE
197
2015 2016
215 191
2017 2019
189
2018
174
Gas usage at Ashforth-owned buildings* increased by 8.6% from 2018 usage largely due to 2018’s warmer-than-usual winter but continues its overall downward trend due to new equipment installations and advanced optimization methods.
Electric usage at Ashforth-owned buildings* decreased by 7.14% from 2018 usage and has decreased 16.67% over the past five years.
* The energy and water data reflect four owned buildings totaling nearly 1,000,000 SF; gas data reflects three owned buildings totaling 650,000 SF.
WATER USAGE
2019 water consumption across the Ashforth- owned portfolio* decreased by 4.6% from 2018, and after an occupancy-related increase four years ago, consumption has steadily decreased 10.0% from 2016’s peak.
2019 saw the second, dramatic national reset of ENERGY STAR’s performance metrics in as many years. Three of Ashforth’s owned buildings increased while one experienced a decrease.
ENERGY STAR SCORES
28
6958
87
14.0
2015
15.6
20172016
16.0
2018
15.1 14.4
2019
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ASHFORTH’S 2019
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
2019 Sustainability Repor tt
Healthy Employer Recognition Program
Ashforth recognized by The Business Council of Fairfield County’s
for the eighth consecutive year
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5The Ashforth Company
Ashforth cares about our employees and our tenants’ employees. As part of our wellness efforts and
initiatives, we encourage all to lead healthier lifestyles.
The Ashforth Company’s wellness mission is to encourage and sustain a culture of health and wellness for employees and their families by helping achieve physical, emotional and financial well-being.
In addition to Ashforth’s wellness program for our employees, we have a long-standing commitment to providing health-conscious work environments, and understand that a healthy building will improve employees’ health and productivity. Our overall healthy building program includes efforts to provide superior air quality, create opportunities for occupants to stay active and eat healthy, and operate sustainable buildings.
ASHFORTH’S 2019
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
Wellnesst
•Since launching our wellness program in 2012, Ashforth has promoted wellness by: emailing Ashforth’s Wellness News monthly to our employees and posting on the Wellness Board in our community kitchen, supporting fitness goals with gym discounts and walking groups, and encouraging participation in yearly health observance events.
•Ashforth continued our Financial Wellness Program for our employees, which began in 2016. The Program includes a series of onsite financial seminars offered by Fidelity, as well as financial wellness articles as part of Ashforth’s monthly Wellness News.
•The Ashforth Company was recognized by The Busi-ness Council of Fairfield County’s Healthy Employer Recognition Program for the 8th consecutive year for its commitment to em-ployee health and well-being and successful efforts promoting a healthy workplace.
•Ashforth also received the 2020 Tanya Court Innova-tion Award for its new gen-erous Paid Maternity and Parental Leave Policies and its emphasis on providing Paid Time Off for bonding with one’s family as an investment in the great-er emotional wellness of its employees and their families. Ashforth’s COO participated in panel discussion at the recognition event.
•In 2019, Ashforth introduced Menumavin at two owned properties. This online food ordering platform offers the opportunity for tenants to order healthy and organic food options from over 25 Stamford/Greenwich restaurants delivered directly to their office or carry out.
•Ashforth continued offering tenants a farm-to-office online produce delivery service, provided by Field Goods. Field Goods offers a variety of selections including fruit and vegetable bag subscriptions, pasture-raised meats, and à la carte local produce options from over 60 small farms and producers.
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ASHFORTH’S 2019
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
2019 Wellness Repor tt
TRACK...STAY ON
SustainabilityReduce electric
usage at Ashforth-owned buildings
by 3%.
Reduce water consumption at Ashforth-owned buildings by 3%.
Reduce gas usage at Ashforth-owned buildings
by 3%.
•Increase tenant e-cycling by 5% through offering year-round e-cycling program for all tenants’ employees.
•Educate all tenants on local nonprofit organizations that offer drop off sites for donations of reusable items such clothing and household goods. This includes printed material in lobby.
•Through Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), increase purchase of electricity used by Ashforth-owned buildings from renewable energy resources from 50% to 75%.
•Research use of EPA’s WaterSense® labeled products or other water conserving products when available and identify irrigation contractors who are certified through a WaterSense-labeled program.
•Increase ENERGY STAR ratings at all Ashforth-owned buildings.
Educate all on change from existing recycling to single stream recycling, which means including paper with plastic, glass, and metal. This includes new bins, signage, and communication.
•Research all vendors’ shipping materials (including boxes) to see if our company can switch and require 100% recycled shipping content.
•Research requirements to implement a composting program at the Ashforth corporate office.
Wellness•Research cost-effective ways to encourage building occupants to use the
stairs in our owned buildings.
•Research and determine if faucets and soap dispensers can be changed to hands-free models in Ashforth-owned buildings and at Ashforth’s corporate office.
•Research opportunities where Ashforth can incorporate biophilic design (design features that reconnect people with nature and could help reduce stress in the workplace) in our buildings.
Identify and implement new wellness initiatives that encourage our employees to lead healthy lifestyles.
•Create a virtual fitness program to encourage employees to keep active and stay connected while social distancing. A web page will feature resources, videos, group conversations, and motivating fitness challenges.
•Research costs and details to install a self-monitoring blood pressure station to educate our employees about the risks of high blood pressure.
2020 Sustainability & Wellness Goalst
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ASHFORTH’S 2019
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
Collected Over 200 Gifts for Kids Helping KidsThree of Ashforth’s owned/managed buildings
a local nonprofit serving Fairfield County
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8The Ashforth Company
Giving back is an intrinsic part of Ashforth’s company values and culture. We are committed to making an
impact in our communities through corporate citizenship, civic involvement, and employee volunteerism.
Ashforth focuses its philanthropic efforts on education and healthcare, along with a priority to encourage and facilitate employee volunteerism. Collectively, our financial contributions, our in-kind services and employee volunteer hours have helped to advance many worthy nonprofits where we live and work. With a long and respected history of giving back, we understand helping our nonprofits, whether with dollars or just a helping hand, makes our communities stronger, and that benefits everyone personally.
ASHFORTH’S 2019
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
Philanthropyt
*Partial listing
Achievement First
Audubon Connecticut
The Bennett Cancer Center
BOMA Southern CT & BOMA Westchester
Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich
Boys & Girls Club of Stamford
Bruce Museum
Business Council of Fairfield County
Family Centers
Family First in Education
Future 5
Greenwich Historical Society
Greenwich International Film Festival
Greenwich Library
Greenwich Pool in Byram Park
Junior League of Greenwich
Kids Helping Kids
Lloyd EcoDistrict
Maritime Aquarium
March of Dimes
NAIOP
New Canaan Land Trust
Real Estate Finance Association (REFA)
Regional Plan Association
Stamford 2030 District
Stamford Downtown Special Services District
Stamford Hospital Foundation
Stamford Health
Teach for America
Westport Library
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ASHFORTH’S 2019
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
Proud to Suppor t Nonprofits in 2019ASHFORTH AND ITS DIVISIONS WERE
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Stamford Health & The Bennett Cancer Center•Ashforth is the founding & presenting sponsor of Stamford Health’s Bennett Cancer Center Hope in Motion Walk
& Run event, Connecticut’s longest running and largest participatory charitable event. It has raised over $15.8 million over 24 years.
•Since 1996, Ashforth’s total contribution, including our annual corporate donation, in-kind marketing, and team donation, has exceeded $1.3 million.
•Ashforth’s Co-CEO has served as chairman of the hospital and co-chairman of the Stamford Hospital Foundation Board. Our VP, Marketing & Communications has been on the event’s executive committee the past 24 years.
•Ashforth’s team of 31 participants walked and raised $14,242 in 2019 and over the past 24 years raised $296,861.
•Ashforth donated marketing services in 2019. Total value of these services over the past 24 years is $372,500.
Key Community Par tnershipst
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ASHFORTH’S 2019
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
Boys & Girls Club of Stamford•Ashforth has been a supporter of the Boys & Girls Club for over 25 years and our Executive Assistant to Ashforth’s
Co-CEO has been a member of the board the majority of these years and is currently vice chair.
•Ashforth is a significant sponsor of the Club’s City Chic event. The event raised $333,500 in 2019 and since 1991 has raised over $4.5 million.
•In addition to financial support, in 2019 Ashforth provided marketing services for the event valued at $7,500. Total value of these services over the past seven years is $67,500.
•Ashforth also annually supports the Boys & Girls Club’s golf event, which raised $165,120 in 2019.
•Ashforth made a significant contribution to the Boys & Girls Club for building the new Gary Wendt Teen Center.
March of Dimes•The Ashforth Company was the first honoree of the March of Dimes Fairfield County Real
Estate Award event and has been a sponsor ever since.
•The Real Estate Award event raised over $450,000 in 2019 and since 1996 has raised $7.5 million.
•Our in-kind marketing services over the past 24 years are valued at $172,500.
•Our VP, Marketing & Communications has been on the event committee for the past 24 years along with our EVP of our construction division for numerous years.
Key Community Par tnershipst
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ASHFORTH’S 2019
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
Future 5•Since 2010, Ashforth’s total contribution, which includes financial and in-kind marketing support, has
exceeded $224,500.
•Ashforth provides an in-kind program to help Future 5 students further their job training skills and goals which includes site visits, job shadowing, and internships.
•Ashforth’s VP, Marketing & Communications served as a lead member of Future’s 5 Search Committee for a new Executive Director. Ashforth’s Co-CEO and VP, Marketing & Communications were members of the board in previous years.
•Over the past 5 years, 100% of Future 5’s high school seniors graduate and 93% “land with a plan”; 83% matriculate to college (2 and 4 year combined) and 10% go on to military/trade/employment. In 2019, 90% of the seniors are first generation to attend college.
AND ADDITIONAL IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS
Ashfor th Employees’ Volunteer Suppor tt
•Ashforth donated the use of Greenwich Plaza train station for advertising, Ashforth’s shuttle service, and parking space at Greenwich Plaza to the Greenwich International Film Festival.
•The use of Greenwich Plaza train station for advertising, Ashforth’s shuttle service, and parking space at Greenwich Plaza were donated to Greenwich Wine+Food Festival presented by Serendipity. The event supports multiple charitable organizations.
•Ashforth donated the use of Greenwich Plaza train station for advertising to Focus on French Cinema Festival presented by Alliance Française of Greenwich.
•The use of Greenwich Plaza train station for advertising was donated to Audubon Connecticut.
•Ashforth provided in-kind marketing and graphic design services for the Kids Helping Kids’ annual Handled with Care boutique and Gift of Giving drive.
•Greenwich Plaza parking space was donated for the annual Greenwich Town Party.
•42 sporting event tickets were donated to various nonprofits.
•Ashforth encourages volunteerism to nearly 7,000 employees in 200 companies at our owned and managed buildings by organizing numerous community-oriented events that benefit local nonprofits.
•3,000+ hours of volunteer time were spent by employees chairing or participating on nonprofit committees.
•3 employees volunteered to fly the Bob the Builder balloon for the Stamford Downtown Special Services District’s annual Thanksgiving Parade Spectacular.
•Ashforth held building-wide drives at owned/managed properties and collected over 200 gifts and nearly 100 dresses, shoes, and accessories for the Handled with Care boutique and Gift of Giving drive benefitting Kids Helping Kids.
•In the fall, Ashforth held building-wide drives benefitting The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County, collecting food for nonprofit organizations to feed the hungry; SilverSource, collecting clothing and personal items for older adults; and Operation Gratitude, collecting Halloween candy to include in care packages for troops and first responders.
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ASHFORTH’S 2019
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
CommitmentEnduring business relationships will enhance the value of our company.
PeopleWe foster teamwork, personal growth,
creativity, and leadership. We encourage respect for the individual, communication,
optimism, and a sense of humor.
QualityWe are dedicated to providing the highest level of service with
speed and professionalism.
PracticesWe act with integrity and
fairness with our customers, employees, and community.
The Ashforth Company
STAMFORD, CT • 203 359-8500 • ASHFORTH.COM INTEGRITY • QUALITY • EXPERTISE • SINCE 1896
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