Water conservation isn't just for California, American Realty Advisors chairman and CEO Stanley Iezman tells us, citing a 2013 report by the Government Accountability Office that predicts at least 40 states will experience water shortages in the next decade. The U.S. consumes 26 billion gallons of water daily, with commercial properties accounting for about 12% of that total.

American, based in Glendale, CA, been working on a strategy to reduce its portfolio's water consumption, and one of the showpieces of the effort is its 201 S Tryon St office property. By evaluating the 236k SF property's water usage, water costs and wastewater (including that of the 11-story garage next door), American was able to improve its overall efficiency through new plumbing fixtures and other means, ultimately saving more than 1.4 million gallons of water annually, according to Iezman, a 27% cut.

“North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing states, and as the population grows, so will the need for water," Stanley says. The drought the state endured in 2007-2008 demonstrated how important water conservation is to North Carolina. American is aiming to meet Envision Charlotte's challenge to reduce water use by 20% over five years.