HydroPoint Data Systems

Project Summary: Kite Realty Group – Water Efficiency Initiatives

501 Studios/Leui Ellyson

Kite Realty Group’s commitment to sustainability sets a high standard in responsible resource management. Their innovative water efficiency initiatives, strategic partnerships, and forward-thinking policies exemplify how businesses can drive measurable environmental impact while creating long-term value for stakeholders and communities.”

E+E Leader Judge

Kite Realty Group (NYSE:KRG) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) and a premier owner and operator of open-air shopping centers and mixed-use assets. KRG is dedicated to fostering a thriving and sustainable business, with corporate responsibility playing a central role in delivering long-term value to stakeholders. ESG practices are embedded in the company’s culture, guiding initiatives that create positive environmental and operational impacts. The KRG ESG Task Force drives these efforts, implementing the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance vision.

Strategic Water Conservation Initiatives

In 2021, KRG established ambitious five-year ESG goals, including reducing its environmental footprint through enhanced water efficiency initiatives. A key focus was the deployment of smart irrigation controllers across 25% of KRG-owned and managed properties to optimize water use and reduce waste. Following a thorough evaluation, KRG partnered with HydroPoint to install WeatherTRAK smart irrigation controllers, which leverage real-time site conditions—including solar radiation, temperature, wind, and relative humidity—to calculate precise irrigation schedules. This technology significantly reduces water waste, achieving up to 95% irrigation efficiency.

Additional water efficiency efforts include:

Drought-Tolerant Landscaping: Redevelopment projects prioritizing native and xeriscape designs to reduce water demand.
Water Usage Monitoring: Implementing automatic meter readings (AMR) and submetering, enhancing real-time data tracking and management.
Addressing Water Stress Risks: With 22.2% of KRG’s portfolio in high water-stress regions, these initiatives mitigate risk and improve resilience.

Measured Impact and Environmental Benefits

KRG has made significant progress in advancing water efficiency across its portfolio. As of December 31, 2023, 118 properties have adopted water conservation initiatives, including smart irrigation controllers, AMR, submetering, and high-efficiency water fixtures. These efforts have led to tangible sustainability benefits:

Water Conservation: KRG saved8 million gallons of water in 2023 alone through smart irrigation systems, drought-resistant landscaping, and enhanced monitoring practices.
Operational Resilience: By optimizing irrigation schedules, KRG ensures water is used efficiently, reducing the financial and environmental risks associated with excessive consumption.
Reduction in Embedded Energy Use: By lowering water demand, KRG reduces the energy required for water treatment and distribution, resulting in a lower carbon footprint across its portfolio.

By integrating advanced water efficiency technologies, sustainable landscaping practices, and real-time monitoring, KRG has established a framework for long-term water stewardship.

Recognizes projects that advance ESG and EHS goals through environmental stewardship, resource conservation, and responsible business practices.

Environmental Impact Winners

Canon Environmental Technologies, Inc.

In 1990, Canon Inc. launched its “Global Toner Cartridge Recycling Program,” the first such program in the toner cartridge industry.

Tide

"Tide’s #TurnToCold campaign demonstrates the power of innovation, strategic partnerships, and consumer engagement in driving meaningful environmental impact. Tide is making cold water washing the norm—reducing emissions, saving energy, and proving that small changes can lead to significant global benefits."

Nevados

"Nevados’ TRACE All Terrain Tracker is a game-changer for solar energy deployment on challenging terrains. By eliminating the need for destructive grading and enabling solar installations on slopes up to 37%, TRACE reduces costs and enhances environmental stewardship."

FranklinWH

"By joining advanced battery technology, dynamic load management, and a UPS-style switchover, the FranklinWH system ensures continuous power, protects home electronics, and enhances energy efficiency."

Energy Exemplar

"Energy Exemplar’s commitment to informing transformative energy decisions is evident in its PLEXOS platform, which accelerates the transition to a low-carbon future through advanced modeling and simulation."

Bath & Body Works

"Through its partnership with Good360, Bath & Body Works transformed its approach to marked-out-of-stock products, repurposing them to support those in need. By listening to employees, collaborating across teams, and embracing innovation, Bath & Body Works has successfully diverted nearly half a million pounds of product from landfills while positively affecting countless lives."

CyrusOne

"CyrusOne’s net positive water data centers actively restore water resources in high-stress regions, setting a new benchmark for environmental responsibility in the industry. By addressing climate, water, biodiversity, and circularity, they show that data centers can be both operationally efficient and environmentally restorative."