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Award-Winning Water Stewardship: Kite Realty Group Honored for Tackling Water Stress with Smart Water Management

Highlights

  • Saved 30.8 million gallons of water in 2023 across 118 properties
  • Deployed WeatherTRAK smart irrigation controllers at 25% of properties, reducing resource consumption and enhancing efficiency across the portfolio
  • Transitioned redevelopment projects to drought-tolerant landscaping to minimize water demand
  • Recognized with a Top Project of the Year Award by Environment + Energy Leader for Water Efficiency Initiatives and Environmental Impact

Kite Realty Group(NYSE:KRG), a premier owner and operator of open-air shopping centers and mixed-use properties, continues to lead the way in sustainable water management. In recognition of its commitment to environmental stewardship and impactful water conservation efforts, KRG was recently honored with a Top Project of the Year Award from Environment + Energy Leader. The award celebrates the success of KRG’s Water Efficiency Initiatives, which leverage HydroPoint’s smart water management technology to reduce waste, mitigate risk, and advance ESG goals.

With 22% of its portfolio located in high water-stress regions, KRG proactively developed a comprehensive water efficiency strategy to ensure both resilience and operational excellence. Launched in 2021 as part of a five-year ESG plan, KRG partnered with HydroPoint to deploy WeatherTRAK smart irrigation controllers across 25% of its owned and managed properties. These advanced systems use real-time weather and site-specific data to create precise irrigation schedules, minimizing overwatering and reducing water waste.

KRG also integrated complementary strategies including:

  • Drought-tolerant landscaping in redevelopment projects
  • Automatic meter readings (AMR) and submetering for real-time usage insights
  • Ongoing contractor training and system oversight to maximize performance

Smart Solutions for Targeted Irrigation Efficiency

HydroPoint’s WeatherTRAK controllers were instrumental in transforming outdoor water use. By analyzing factors like soil type, solar radiation, wind, and evapotranspiration rates, the system ensures water is delivered only when and where it’s needed. This targeted approach is particularly critical in arid and drought-prone regions.

To further ensure success, KRG leveraged HydroPoint’s Performance Management (HPM) service, which provides expert support, proactive monitoring, and system optimization—empowering property managers and landscaping partners to drive efficiency at scale.

Measurable Environmental Impact and Water Savings

By the end of 2023, KRG’s smart water management strategy had saved 30.8 million gallons of water across its portfolio. These initiatives also contributed to a 7.9% reduction in direct greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to an absolute reduction of 2,532.2 MtCO₂e.

This award-winning project demonstrates how smart water management can drive both environmental impact and business value. Through its collaboration with HydroPoint, KRG has set a new standard for responsible water stewardship in the commercial real estate sector—delivering long-term benefits for stakeholders, communities, and the planet.