Expert Q&As

Q&A: Jeffrey Schleider, Miron Properties Posted By Laura Formanek

When Jeffrey Schleider started Miron Properties in 2009, he had already proved himself to be a skilled professional in the real estate industry, so it was no surprise that, despite the struggling economy, Miron Properties excelled in its first year. In developing the company, Schleider stressed the importance of socially and environmentally responsible business practices. Now, Miron Properties continues to demonstrate expertise and success by being one of Manhattan's leading residential real estate brokerages and green building specialists. Miron Properties is also the only brokerage that is a member of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Green Committee. With more companies and property owners joining the green trend, Schleider offers advice on easy ways to make your property more sustainable.

What are some easy and affordable ways to green a building?

Bike racks! They are an extremely low-cost way to provide tenants with support for sustainable transportation.

The EPA estimates indoor environments are three to five times more polluted than outdoors-a Fresh Air Intake system will provide clean indoor air at very low cost. In addition to air quality, altering the water system can save money and the environment. We all know about the devastating effects of plastic waste from water bottles. A water filtration system can reduce our reliance on bottled water; good under-sink units are available for about $150.

In terms of walls and ceilings, non-VOC paints, adhesive- paints, and adhesives off-gas are ideal for the months after construction is done. Non-VOC alternatives are now available at comparable prices. Incorporating passive lighting by using skylights and building strategically is another sustainable option.

For the smaller developers who struggle with LEED certification, what measures can they take to green their buildings?

Every project is unique. I usually meet with a developer and architect early on in the process to figure out where the best opportunities are.

How do you prep a green building for sale?

People respond best to marketing material-digital or recycled paper, please!-that breaks down the specific benefits of each green step in simple English, i.e. insulation saves you money on heat and air conditioning, fresh air intake provides clean air for your family. We also like to stage the spaces with eco-friendly furniture and offer healthy drinks and snacks to guests.

How are green buildings more attractive to a buyer? Have you noticed a trend of green over traditional buildings in the real estate market?
Green buildings have healthier indoor environments and have reduced energy, gas, and water costs.

As a leader in green building specialists, what is Miron Properties doing to go green?

We're running the office as sustainable as possible. Over the past year we have hired two prominent people from the sustainability space, including Rich Awn, host of Green Air radio and Eyal Amir, who founded the first 100 percent organic catering firm in NYC. Further, Miron is green in office activities. For example, we are a nearly paperless office with almost all documents stored digitally. Finally, we partake in community sustainability measures as a company, i.e. last Sunday we helped plant a community vegetable garden in East Harlem with NourishingNYC.

We work with developers to incorporate elements of green building in a cost-effective manner. Often smaller developers can't afford to go through the LEED process, so we help identify the areas of green that will let them get the most bang-for-their-buck, i.e. by installing fresh air intakes and using non-VOC paints. We also work with buyers and renters who are seeking out green properties. We can offer unparalleled expertise in navigating the green apartment options available in New York City.