LOS ANGELES  – Benchmark Contractors, Inc. is proud to announce that one of its latest projects, 5600 Wilshire, has achieved a feat that no other project has been able to. It has the honor of being the first multifamily project in Los Angeles to receive both a GreenPoint-Rated designation and a LEED-New Construction (NC) certification.

From the beginning Benchmark took major strides to ensure that 5600 Wilshire obtained a LEED-NC certification, something that was important not only to its developer, BRE Properties, but to Los Angeles’ environment, as well.  Through the dedicated efforts of BRE, the design team and Benchmark, the project surpassed its goal of simply achieving LEED certification and successfully obtained a Silver LEED-NC rating. Benchmark was able to complete construction, which included 284 units, approximately 12,500 square feet of retail space and parking for residents and retail patrons, two months ahead of schedule.

Throughout the expedited construction process Benchmark diverted more than 70% of construction waste to recycling facilities, utilized more than 20% of post- and pre-consumer recycled content, and secured more than 40% of all materials and furnishings from sources within a 500-mile radius.

Aside from successfully managing construction waste and supporting recycled content and regional materials, Benchmark also installed numerous features throughout 5600 Wilshire to reduce pollution and optimize energy and water use. All sealants, coatings and paints Benchmark utilized had low-VOC contents, as did the carpets the firm installed. Benchmark also installed Energy Star appliances, low-flow faucets and dual-flush toilets in all units. The installation of a white reflective roof and energy-efficient windows will additionally reduce the building’s reliance on air conditioning and artificial lighting.

With so many sustainable features and energy-reducing amenities it’s easy to see how 5600 Wilshire became the first Los Angeles-based project to obtain this dual-recognition. While the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification has become the industry standard for environmentally friendly commercial projects, the GreenPoint Rated designation has mostly been utilized in the residential realm, though it does offer a multifamily certification program.

In order for multifamily projects to receive a GreenPoint Rated designation they must accrue at least 50 total points across five categories, including resource conservation, water conservation, energy efficiency, indoor air quality and community. Thanks to Benchmark’s efforts, 5600 Wilshire achieved a score of 94, well above the median and average scores for GreenPoint Rated multifamily projects, which are 85 and 86, respectively. This score also means that 5600 Wilshire has far exceeded California’s very stringent energy and building codes, placing it among the most elite and efficient multifamily green buildings in the state.


About Benchmark Contractors
Benchmark Contractors, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Santa Monica-based Morley Builders. Benchmark is skilled in all structure types including steel, concrete and wood-frame. Its diverse project experience consists of multifamily residential, mixed-use and transit-oriented developments, student housing/campus facilities and senior/assisted living facilities. Benchmark’s current projects include Polytechnic School in Pasadena and UCI East Campus Student Apartments in Irvine. For more information on Benchmark Contractors or Morley Builders visit www.MorleyBuilders.com.