You saw AB 1103 coming, and your buildings are now benchmarking their energy use in ENERGY STAR. And, even though AB 1103 has been postponed yet again, hopefully you have been able to make improvements in building operations via your increased understanding of your building’s energy spending. Now, you want to extend the same idea to other areas in your portfolio. But where do you start? This article will provide best practices for tracking beyond energy to improve your buildings’ sustainability performance on a variety of metrics.

Today’s workplace looks and performs very differently than even a decade ago. On Monday, June 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., five leaders in the real estate, architecture and technology fields will explore the continuing evolution of America’s “office” as part of the Every Building Conference & Expo, presented by BOMA International and BUILDINGS, June 24 to 26 in Seattle.

When great firms partner, even greater things happen. Plus One and Irvine Company Office Properties are pleased to announce the opening of the latest in fitness center luxury; the creation of two leaders in their respective industries. Broadway Athletic and Swim Club is set to open its doors on Monday, June 25 as the premier amenity in the Irvine Company Office Properties portfolio.

In recent years, market forces and simple economics have refocused the attention of commercial real estate owners and management practitioners on energy conservation as a compelling driver of overall asset performance.

With nearly half of 2012 behind us, the San Diego retail market has been defined by slow, organic improvements. While not dramatic, these improvements will continue to augment activity in the retail segment as market fundamentals slowly continue to strengthen and realign themselves after the financial crisis. Small, but positive changes in unemployment and consumer confidence have been especially instrumental in supporting the retail market. As these indicators continue to improve, expect to see the retail recovery accelerate in the second half of 2012.

The San Diego Building Owners and Managers Association recently announced the nominees for the local level of “The Outstanding Building of the Year” (TOBY) awards. The TOBY Awards are the most prestigious and comprehensive of their kind in the commercial real estate industry, recognizing quality in office buildings and rewarding excellence in office building management. The winners will be announced at BOMA’s annual Winter Gala set for Nov. 9 at La Costa Resort & Spa.

The recent grand opening of Sorrento Heights, a new single-family detached neighborhood of 113 homes by Pardee Homes, drew nearly 1,000 people to tour the three new models over the weekend.

Michael Robert, Eric Northbrook and Chistopher High, of Cushman & Wakefield, represented the Deal of the Week buyers and sellers.

(AP) -- Crews plan to start digging up a square block of San Francisco Tuesday for a new subway tunnel linking Chinatown to the city's main train station in the South of Market area, even though funding remains up in the air.

A portfolio of six properties consisting of 51 apartment units and two retail units in the Mid-City neighborhood of University City, San Diego 92116, has been sold for $9,331,000, cash.

San Diego County apartment vacancy rates are holding steady, according the San Diego County Apartment Association’s (SDCAA) Spring 2012 Vacancy and Rental Rate Survey.

BioMed Realty Trust Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Granta Park, a 472,200-square-foot, 11-building laboratory and office complex in Cambridge, England.

The 31,421 square-foot corner office building in Scripps Ranch, at 9980 Carroll Canyon Road (and Business Park Avenue) in San Diego 92131, has been sold for $5.6 million, cash.

(AP) -- A coalition of environmental groups is alleging that California's Cap and Trade program violates the 1964 Civil Rights act.

BioMed Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: BMR) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of two parcels of land, comprising approximately 28 adjacent acres in San Diego, for a purchase price of approximately $47 million, excluding transaction costs.

The 10-unit apartment in Pacific Beach at 4321 Cass St., San Diego 92109, has been sold for $2.25 million, cash.

Leasing Notes are updated twice weekly and are now available in a fully searchable database format at www.sddt.com/databases/leasingnotes/.

The South Bay office and industrial markets have been hammered the past few years, and it doesn’t look like things are going to get better anytime soon.

The four-building, 152,513-square-feet Centerpointe Tech Center in the Miramar submarket at 7710, 7720, 7737 and 7740 Kenamar Court, San Diego 92121, has been sold for $10.15 million.

The Deal of the Week lessee was represented by Jinna Jeon, with Team Spirit Realty. The lessor was represented by Brian G. Pyke, of Duhs Commercial.