EPA Recognizes Transwestern with Third Consecutive ENERGY STAR(R) Sustained Excellence Award

Transwestern, one of the largest privately held commercial real estate service and development firms in the U.S., and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that Transwestern has been awarded the 2008 ENERGY STAR(R) Sustained Excellence Award by the EPA in recognition of its continued leadership in protecting the environment through energy efficiency. Transwestern's accomplishments will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 1, 2008. Transwestern was previously recognized in 2004 and 2005 as an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year and in 2006 and 2007 as a Sustained Excellence recipient - the only third-party real estate services firm to achieve both designations.

Transwestern, an ENERGY STAR partner since 1999, will be honored for its long-term commitment to energy efficiency. Transwestern is taking action to reduce its environmental footprint by educating team members and providing clients with sustainable energy efficient solutions for their real estate. For nearly 10 years, the firm's energy management practices - including no- and low-cost operational adjustments, strategic capital improvements and energy procurement - have consistently reduced operating costs across the Transwestern managed portfolio by an average of 20 percent.

Transwestern president and chief executive officer, Larry P. Heard notes, "We are delighted to be honored for a fifth consecutive year by the Environmental Protection Agency. We have long enjoyed our partnership with the EPA and ENERGY STAR and our clients are reaping the rewards. Through our work with ENERGY STAR, Transwestern remains committed to proving the business case for green."

The 2008 Sustained Excellence Awards are presented to a select group of organizations that have exhibited outstanding leadership year after year. These winners have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by setting and achieving aggressive goals, employing innovative approaches, and showing clients and others what can be achieved through energy efficiency. These awards recognize ongoing leadership across the ENERGY STAR program including energy-efficient products, services, and buildings in the commercial, industrial and public sectors. The 28 Sustained Excellence award winners are selected from more than 9,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

Across the U.S., Transwestern continues to promote energy efficiency through participation in ENERGY STAR programs. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved $16 billion on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles.

"We are proud to recognize Transwestern's continued efforts with the 2008 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence award," said Robert J.

Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air & Radiation. "Year after year, partners like Transwestern are examples of the benefits of a long-term commitment to energy efficiency. Their actions are leading the way in saving energy and helping to protect the environment."

About Transwestern

Transwestern, one of the largest privately held commercial real estate and development firms in the U.S., is focused on creating value for our clients in each local market we serve. Transwestern's unique business model offers fully integrated real estate services and operates through six distinct functional lines of business: agency leasing, property and facility management, investment services, tenant advisory, development and research for a broad range of property types, including office, industrial, retail, healthcare and multifamily. Transwestern leads the industry in sustainability and has received multiple EPA ENERGY STAR(R) awards. We have partnered with our clients and the USGBC to pursue LEED(R) certification on projects across the country. Please visit us at http://www.transwestern.net/.