Optimizing outcomes through cross-team collaboration
Unico Properties LLC (Unico), a subsidiary of Unico Investment Group LLC, is a vertically integrated real estate firm dedicated to delivering outcome-oriented solutions in dynamic markets throughout the United States. For more than a decade, Unico has embedded sustainability into its real estate strategy, integrating energy efficiency with broader business objectives. Managing leasing, property operations, and sustainability initiatives in-house, Unico takes a holistic approach that emphasizes cost-benefit analysis, return on investment, and long-term value creation.
A key component of this strategy has been Unico’s ten-year engagement with Measurabl, leveraging Optimize’s meter-level data solution to refine and scale energy management solutions across its portfolio. The results are clear: measurable cost savings, operational efficiencies, and a competitive edge in navigating evolving regulations and market demands.
Challenge
Before adopting Optimize, energy management efforts relied on monthly reports and audits, which meant inefficiencies could go unnoticed for weeks. The system was reactive rather than proactive, leading to situations where unnecessary energy consumption (such as systems running 24/7) resulted in high utility bills with little visibility into the root cause.
Unico began piloting Optimize in partnership with on-site engineering and property teams. Through persistent engagement, education, and tangible demonstration of value, the team coalesced in scaling implementation of Optimize. The unifying key to success: proving the efforts would have tangible business outcomes, without adding undo efforts.
“Sustainability is about change management. We needed a platform that made energy efficiency a core operational priority—not an added burden. In a constrained market, flexibility and foresight are essential. Real-time insights enable us to go beyond compliance, driving both financial performance and long-term portfolio value.”
Anita Jeerage, Vice President of Sustainability & ESG, Unico Properties
Solution
Measurabl’s Optimize Product
With the implementation of Optimize, Unico transformed the way it manages energy across its portfolio. The key benefits included:
- Real-time monitoring – Instead of waiting for end-of-month reports, teams could now track energy use in real time, identifying inefficiencies before they escalated into costly issues.
- Operational alignment – Engineers, sustainability teams, and operations teams all had access to the same data, ensuring that energy-saving measures were not only identified but effectively implemented.
- Peak demand management – Systems were set up to automatically detect and adjust for energy demand spikes, preventing unnecessary costs.
Cross-team collaboration also played a vital role in maximizing Optimize’s impact. With a shared data tool, Unico’s sustainability and engineering teams worked together to prioritize energy-saving initiatives, streamline compliance with regulatory requirements, and align efficiency goals with broader financial objectives. The ability to measure, analyze, and act on data in real time enabled Unico to drive measurable cost savings while maintaining operational excellence.
In the first two years, with proper implementation, we saw 5-10% savings across properties—primarily by tackling low-hanging fruit like optimizing HVAC schedules and identifying unnecessary weekend or overnight energy usage.”
Phillip Bing, Director, Engineering, Unico Properties
Results
Since adopting Optimize, Unico has seen significant operational cost savings and efficiency gains across its portfolio. By targeting low-hanging fruit in the early years, the company was able to achieve initial energy savings of up to 10%.
Unico also took a proactive approach to tracking usage through operator login reports, monthly reviews, and in-depth analysis of measurable results. Over time, Optimize became an integral tool in decision-making, with insights guiding equipment upgrades, capital planning, and regulatory compliance strategies.
Since integrating Optimize, Unico has consistently improved its portfolio’s energy efficiency. Notable achievements include:
- Sustained energy cost savings of 5-10% in optimized buildings
- Enhanced cross-team collaboration between sustainability and engineering
- Streamlined compliance with evolving building performance standards in WA, CO, and OR.
- A data-driven approach to asset-level capital planning and equipment lifecycle management
Unico is committed to driving efficiency in building operations. With a focus on climate resilience, energy transition, and regulatory compliance, particularly around Business Performance Standards (BPS), the company is leveraging Optimize to stay ahead of the curve.
“Energy savings is just one piece. We’re also extending the lifespan of critical equipment, reducing peak demand penalties, and improving tenant comfort—all of which contribute to long-term asset value.”
Phillip Bing, Director, Engineering, Unico Properties
Property Spotlight
Optimizing Efficiency: Targeted Strategies Drive Energy and Cost Savings at Carter Creek Meadows
Carter Creek Meadows, Lake Oswego, OR; Photo Courtesy of Unico Properties
Measurabl identified ten “measures”– potential issues found in the building’s operation which, if corrected, may lead to energy and dollar savings – for the 5800 & 6000 Meadows sites in 2024. These measures have a total estimated savings of $18,543, 80 MTCO2e, and 185,439 kWh. It appears that there are some controls and equipment issues which have led to inefficient operations, and have been the root cause of several published measures. A night baseload measure was implemented when the building engineer was able to address a building automation system (BAS) issue forcing equipment to run through the night.
Add caption/descriptorAccelerate your decarbonization journey with accurate, real-time asset-level performance data using Measurabl Optimize. Get a free demo today.
About Unico Properties
Unico Properties LLC. a subsidiary of Unico Investment Group LLC, is a real estate investment and operating firm comprising 12 million square feet of primarily office and multifamily properties in dynamic markets throughout the United States. Since 1996, Unico has sponsored over 55 investment vehicles including discretionary institutional funds, joint-ventures, private high-net-worth funds, and qualified opportunity funds. Unico’s investments span the risk spectrum on core, core-plus, value-add, and development, with a strategic focus on growth markets, including Seattle, Portland, Denver, Austin, Salt Lake City, and Nashville. Sustainability is deeply integrated into Unico’s real estate acquisition, development, and property management services. They recognize the role business and buildings can have in mitigating climate change, and strive to employ best practices that reduce their carbon footprint. They transform buildings through responsible and practical solutions that increase asset value, promote health and wellness, and protect our planet’s future. Learn more at unicoprop.com.
