The June 22 “Trends” section of the Times Free Press included an article about development firm CBL’s foray into “lifestyle centers.” According to CBL, a lifestyle center is nothing more than a strip mall with nicer aesthetics:
“What makes it a lifestyle center is the façade we put on the outside: stacked stones, a fountain, and convenient front parking so that customers can get close to stores.” –Katie Reinsmidt, CBL’s Director of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations
CBL is cashing in on a real estate trend—fair enough—and the TFP was happy to help with a bit of press. Imagine our (lack of) surprise when Thursday’s issue of the TFP included an article about another trendy CBL initiative. This time they’re jumping on the sustainability bandwagon! The article reads a bit like local business cheerleading, but also leaves one with the impression this is a primarily superficial endeavor aimed more at earning positive press than at making significant changes in the environmental impact of their business. Here’s another quote from Ms. Reinsmidt:
“Sustainability is important. It’s good for everybody.”
Is there any substance to CBL’s sustainability efforts? Surprisingly, there is no more information in the news article than in the CBL press release dated June 2nd. Here are some of the facts about what CBL is doing to “go green,” compiled from both sources: * recycling paper at corporate offices * reusing interior construction barriers at mall sites * reclaiming waste water (in at least one case, as required by state law…) * using Energy Star appliances * using “energy save” mode on computers * using energy-efficient thermostats * using reflective roofing materials * using certified green cleaning products While these are admirable small steps toward lessening environmental impact, none of them are particularly innovative—or newsworthy. In fact, most are simply common sense approaches taken by countless organizations in Chattanooga.
John Hawbaker
Pebbles on Oct. 28, 2008
CBL is newly invested in the Green Initiative. They have recently (within the past 6 months I believe) created a position to spear-head the transition. Research is being done on best practices to adopt, and an internal survey was taken to obtain fresh and creative ideas for this movement.
It will most likely take a little time for these changes (once SOP) to become public knowledge, and I'm quite sure that not all of them have been/will be included in Press Releases.