Plan outlines steps to reduce energy consumption by 30 percent across portfolios by 2012

MINNEAPOLIS (May 19, 2008) –Ryan Companies US, Inc. today announced it has endorsed the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) 7-Point Challenge. This strategy to reduce nationwide consumption of natural resources, non-renewable energy sources and waste production in commercial facilities also helps support Ryan’s recently-announced sustainability policy.

“Ryan’s sustainability position extends beyond just design, development and construction,” said Mike McElroy, executive vice president, real estate management, Ryan Companies US, Inc. “We stand behind every project we complete, long after the last brick is laid, as we’ve demonstrated in our own policies, and in our endorsement of BOMA’s strategy. Recognizing the impact our buildings can have on the environment, it’s clear to us that this is the right thing to do.”

The U.S. Department of Energy has noted a growing trend among commercial buildings in the nation: total floor space in commercial buildings grew nearly 35% over the past 20 years, with energy consumption in these buildings growing 50% in the same time frame. Commercial buildings comprise nearly one-third of all energy consumed in the United States today, making programs such as BOMA’s 7-Point Challenge even more critical.

The goals of BOMA’s 7-Point Challenge include reducing energy consumption by 30 percent  across portfolios by 2012; using the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star benchmarking tool to measure energy performance and water usage; and providing the educational tools buildings owners and operators need to ensure that facilities are properly operated and maintained to maximize the building’s performance. To accomplish this, BOMA has set the following goals for its members:

Decrease energy consumption by 30 percent across its portfolio by 2012;

Benchmark energy performance and water usage annually;

Provide education to managers, engineers and others involved in projects;

Perform energy audits and implement strategies to improve energy efficiency;

Extend equipment life through improved operations and maintenance;

Help reduce the industry’s role in global warming on a local level; and

Position the company and the industry as leaders and solution providers to help owners and tenants do the same.

To date, Ryan has worked on 13 buildings that have been or are in the process of receiving LEED certification, and many office buildings in Ryan’s portfolio around the country have also received EnergyStar ratings.  Ryan has set its own goals for 2008 to increase the percentage of Ryan LEED-certified projects to 15% for 2008, retain more than 100 LEED Accredited Professionals throughout the company by the end of 2008, and encourage pursuit of LEED Existing Building certification for existing Ryan managed properties.

BOMA International introduced the 7-Point Challenge to its members in the commercial properties industry earlier this year; it has since been accepted by 27 BOMA member companies, 38 local associations, 2 BOMA state coalitions and 1 public sector organization (EPA ENERGY STAR). For more information on the 7-Point Challenge, visit www.boma.org/aboutBOMA/7pointchallenge/.

About BOMA International

Founded in 1907, the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is an international federation of more than 100 local associations and affiliated organizations. The 17,000-plus members of BOMA International own or manage more than 9 billion square feet of commercial properties in North America and abroad. BOMA’s mission is to enhance the human, intellectual and physical assets of the commercial real estate industry through advocacy, education, research, standards and information. On the Web at www.boma.org.

About Ryan Companies, US, Inc.

Ryan Companies US Inc., a nationally recognized developer, design-builder and real estate manager, has specialized in fully integrated solutions for more than 70 years. Ryan builds lasting relationships with a project delivery model based on full-service customized solutions and total collaboration – pairing the customer’s needs and expectations with the talents of a team of developers, financiers, architects, engineers, constructors and property managers. In addition to its Minneapolis office, Ryan has offices in Chicago, Phoenix, San Diego, Tampa, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Des Moines, Iowa. Ryan was named the 2007 National Developer of the Year by the National Association of Office and Industrial Properties (NAIOP). For more information, visit www.ryancompanies.com

Editor’s note:    Interviews with Ryan executives are available by contacting Sarah Voigt at 612-455-1784 or svoigt@psbpr.com