Vestar is strengthening its commitment to sustainability with a series of impactful initiatives across its portfolio in celebration of Earth Day 2025. With innovative programs already in motion, Vestar continues to set new standards for responsible commercial development in the Southwest, promoting environmental stewardship in the communities it serves.
One of Vestar’s standout initiatives for 2025 is a collaboration with the Colorado-based Butterfly Pavilion, whose mission is to create and promote pollinator-friendly habitats and foster community education about their vital role in our ecosystem.
In partnership with Vestar-managed Orchard Town Center, the collaboration will foster a pollinator-friendly environment at the outdoor retail and lifestyle center while implementing new community education programs about the importance of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and other species.
Starting in June, visitors and locals alike can walk through the new pollinator walking trails and experience the educational garden beds. Additionally, Orchard Town Center is committed to exclusively using native plants in all landscaping programs throughout the property. In return, Orchard Town Center will earn the prestigious Flight & Flora Certification™, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability journey.
Key Components of the Initiative Include:
- Pollinator Walking Trail: Eight pollinator-focused garden beds will be installed along a designated walking trail at Orchard Town Center. Butterfly Pavilion has designed informative signage for each bed, highlighting the importance of pollinators, their habitats, and how the community can engage with the natural world through tools like the iNaturalist app.
- Native Plant Commitment: Orchard Town Center continues its dedication to using native plants in its landscaping efforts. Native plants now make up 50% of the landscaping in the Town Center area, up from 25% in 2024, helping to provide essential nutrition and habitat for pollinators.
- Ongoing Education: Butterfly Pavilion will lead native plant and pollinator training for BrightView, Orchard Town Center’s landscape partner. In addition, educational opportunities will be provided for the community, including engaging programs at The Orchard Town Center Kid’s Club, aimed at teaching future generations about pollinators and conservation.
Regular Property Surveys: To monitor the success of these efforts, Butterfly Pavilion will conduct bi-annual surveys to track pollinator activity on-site. These surveys will offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of the design and improvements of the pollinator habitat.
“We tailor our GreenSTAR practices to meet the needs of each community we serve,” said Miles Sanchez, Chief Operating Officer of Vestar. “In Arizona, for instance, we prioritize water conservation and tackling the Urban Heat Island effect, as demonstrated in the Cool Pavement Project at Desert Ridge Marketplace. In cooler climates, we adapt to the damper conditions by incorporating native plants and enhancing local ecosystems, as seen with the Butterfly Pavilion Project. While each property may present different requirements, our commitment to sustainable development remains steadfast. Ultimately, we strive to create impactful experiences that motivate local communities to take meaningful actions in their daily lives.”
As part of Vestar’s GreenSTAR initiative, over 250 events and activations will take place across its 60+ shopping centers throughout the year to promote environmental stewardship. Activities will include recycling and upcycling drives, toy and e-waste drives, e-bikes and ride-share partnerships, green art exhibitions, educational programs for kids, eco-conscious fashion shows, giveaways, and more. These activations bring together our communities to raise awareness about our environment and sustainability.
However, Vestar’s commitment to the environment extends beyond its local properties. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Vestar’s GreenSTAR program, which was first launched in 2005 during the development of Oro Valley Marketplace in Tucson, AZ. The project’s success later earned its LEED certification in 2007 for excellence in energy and environmental design, setting the standard for the company’s sustainability efforts moving forward. Additionally, Vestar earned an IREM certification through its efforts with Plaza Paseo Real and Rancho San Diego Town Center.
Today, Vestar has expanded GreenSTAR practices across its portfolio of 60+ properties as well as its ground-up development projects. By collaborating with architects and environmental consultants, Vestar has implemented a variety of best practices, including the use of energy-efficient building materials, solar power, water harvesting systems, white “cool” roofs, artificial turf, LED lighting, on-site recycling and composting facilities, drip system landscaping, and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Now at more than 80% of Vestar properties, these features help reduce the company’s environmental footprint.
Vestar’s continued sustainability efforts underscore its leadership in integrating environmental responsibility into both its developments and community engagement. Through its GreenSTAR program and Earth Day activations, Vestar is empowering shoppers, tenants, and local residents to make a positive impact on the planet.
