Hybrid Vehicles Rule the Fleet; Malkin Family Operations Extend Green Commitment
December 22, 2008
STAMFORD, Conn. - As part of their continuing program to reduce environmental impacts and incorporate sustainable business methods, the Malkin family's W&M Construction Corp. and W&M Properties have completed the conversion of their entire Westchester and Fairfield County fleet of 27 vehicles to Ford Escape Hybrids, announces Anthony E. Malkin, president of W&M Properties.
In the two counties, the change incorporates all vehicles used by W&M Construction Corp., by W&M Properties' management and cleaning divisions, and by W&M Properties' leasing and marketing divisions.
The decision to lease hybrids is part of the company's commitment to improve the sustainability of its business practices, which includes involvement in sustainable design projects and LEED-certified work, and ownership's commitment to improving the environment.
"The vehicles are far more fuel-efficient and cost-effective, and much better suited to their daily tasks. Just because you are in construction, doesn't mean you need to drive a pick-up truck," says Mr. Malkin.
"We pride ourselves on integrating green technologies into our business. For instance, we recently instituted the use of green cleaning products and green pest control products and practices. These U.S.-built hybrids reflect this ongoing mission, as they reduce our dependence on gasoline. These 27 vehicles will drive a total of approximately 350,000 miles in their first 12 months with our firm; they will use less than half the gasoline of the vehicles they replaced, they will reduce our carbon footprint, and they even improve employee morale."
The conversion to hybrids was decided by Mr. Malkin, who leads his family's real estate and investment business and is involved with several sustainable investments and not-for-profits.
The Malkin family has extensive commercial and residential real estate operations throughout the United States. With offices in Stamford and Norwalk, W&M Construction is a full-service General Contractor and Construction Manager. The firm specializes in commercial ground-up construction, interiors and building rehabilitation.
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