Tracy LaCorte, an engineer who has worked for Bently Holdings since early 2008, doubles as an officer in the Coast Guard Reserve. When deployed, Tracy is typically away for only a couple of weeks a year — but during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon cleanup effort, the Coast Guard needed him for two months in the Gulf of Mexico. During that time, Tracy worked in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana as the Planning Department Documentation Unit Leader, drafting and editing Branch Action Plans, conveying work assignments and special instructions for over 2,200 personnel and 950 support assets.

For his work during the oil spill response Tracy was awarded the Coast Guard Achievement Medal.

As a Lieutenant Junior Grade, Tracy is also a Maritime Law Enforcement Officer and Team Leader for Sector San Francisco. Serving in this capacity he manages Captain of the Port security concerns for 1,500 miles of coastline. He is also responsible for the training development and mobilization readiness requirements for twelve Reserve members.

On a daily basis he works as an engineer at the Bently Reserve, a historic building famous for hosting the West Coast’s finest events. The building boasts highly advanced technologies and sustainable operations; it is one of the oldest LEED certified buildings in the nation.

Businesses everywhere can contribute to important causes of national interest, such as the Deepwater cleanup, by supporting employees like Tracy. These men and women have outstanding leadership abilities and advanced expertise, making them desirable on any team. Bently Holdings recognizes this, and invests in the dedication of employees in the Guard and Reserve by salary matching for a set number of weeks each year while they serve our country. Additionally, Bently Holdings maintains health care benefits for long-term absences — an especially important advantage to those with families.

Bently Holdings salutes Tracy, and all members of the Coast Guard, for their extraordinary contributions to our safety, environement, our nation, and our workforce.

The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard conducts an awards program designed to recognize employers who support a strong National Guard and Reserve force. Employers qualify for recognition when they practice leadership and personnel policies that support employee participation in the Guard and Reserve.

Bently Holdings worked closely with the new tenants to reuse existing furniture and build outs, saving them money while accommodating their unique needs. One of the oft-overlooked benefits of reusing buildout materials is the great reduction in lead time between build out and occupancy — another benefit that’s been realized by the collaboration of our the Bently Holdings property manager, Marin Brokers, and new tenants.


Reusing build outs can also be of great benefit to the environment by reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill. The average construction project yields 3.9 pounds per waste per square foot — at over 100,000 square feet total, Belvedere Place would be putting nearly 400,000 pounds of waste to landfill were it not to reuse previous tenants’ build outs every time space became available. We understand that each project is different: that’s why we work closely with our tenants to achieve the highest level of waste diversion possible from Day One for each and every new build out.

Building green also has a positive impact on any business’s brand and bottom line. According to Ashley Katz, USGBC spokesperson, “By building green, everyone profits. Owners, in particular, benefit from an increased bottom line gained through energy savings, increased productivity, reduced absenteeism and turnover, and happier employees.”

Contact us today to learn more about what a green management company can do for your business.

The trail is a part of the Bently-Kirman ranch, which was founded in part by Donald E. Bently of Bently Agrowdynamics, whose vision of sustainable agriculture is being realized at this Nevada ranch. Donald says that he “never bought into the stereotype that agricultural and environmental interests have to be played off against each other” — and hikers of the new trail can see this concept in action.

“The new trail takes visitors past some beautiful natural areas and provides a wonderful recreational opportunity,” says Duane Petite, Carson River Project Director for The Nature Conservancy. “But the trail is also a perfect example of The Nature Conservancy’s collaborative approach to conservation in the Carson Valley for the benefit of people and nature.”

The building of the trail was made possible through a partnership between Bently Agrowdynamics, The Nature Conservancy, the Carson Valley Trails Association, and Boy Scout Troop 495. Volunteers put in more than 100 hours building the trail. Two trail loops meander peacefully around wetlands and through willow and wild rose thickets, mimicking the natural sinuosity of the nearby river, before emerging at four sand bar beaches.

Christopher Bently, of Bently Holdings in San Francisco, has fond memories of Nevada and understands the importance of this trail. “Growing up as a young boy in the Carson Valley gave me an appreciation for life in a simpler time which is becoming harder and harder to hold on to. The Nature Conservancy together with the hard work of The Boy Scouts in Troop 495 and the Carson Valley Trails Association have honored my father and I in helping us provide usable open space while promoting synergy between land preservation and agriculture. Carson Valley will be able to enjoy local, sustainable agriculture along with usable open lands for many generations to come which has been a way of life here since the valley was first settled,” he says.

The partnership at Bently-Kirman Tract began in 2005 when the Conservancy acquired a conservation easement on the property that safeguarded more than 1,000 acres of floodplain habitat from development. This was achieved with funding from Nevada Division of State Lands, Nevada Department of Wildlife, and a generous donation from Bently Agrowdynamics. “From the beginning, the vision of this project was to demonstrate that cattle ranching, habitat protection, and public access can be compatible activities,” explains Petite. “The opening of this trail puts the last piece of the puzzle in place and showcases how conservation can benefit both people and nature.”

The trail is designed to allow public access while preserving wildlife habitat and ongoing agricultural operations. This is a wonderful trail opportunity for those who enjoy hiking or trail running on a flat grade. Use is limited to foot traffic only; dogs, horses and mechanized vehicles are not permitted.

For more information and downloadable copies of the trail map, visit The Nature Conservancy and click on the “Bently-Kirman Tract” link or visit The Carson Valley Trails Association.


“We’re proud of the Bently Reserve because it’s one of the city’s most architecturally stunning buildings and now one of its most sustainable,” says Bently Holdings CEO Christopher Bently. “It’s a beautiful building with some old bones, but a very modern heart.”

About LEED-CS


The LEED certification was specifically awarded for the environmental upgrades to the building’s “core and shell,” meaning that the certification applies to significant environmental upgrades done to the building’s structure, envelope, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems. This certification compliments LEED certification for interiors, which is pending for the conference center and main event halls. LEED-Core and Shell also helps future tenants “go green” by giving them a foundation of environmental upgrades to build upon; many such upgrades have already been completed on the interior of the building by Bently Holdings, as well as in the offices by building tenants. Learn more about LEED here.

A History of Leadership


Since purchasing the building in 2005, Bently Holdings owners Christopher and Amber Marie Bently have cultivated a green environment by requiring all new tenants to design their office space at a minimum of LEED Silver Certified. One of these tenants, the Energy Foundation, became the first commercial space in San Francisco — and one of only thirteen worldwide — to receive LEED-CI Platinum Certification from the US Green Building Council.


Bently Holdings has worked closely with the SmithGroup and BCCI Builders to update and remodel the building while preserving its unique Beaux-Arts style. New flooring was purchased from Forest Stewardship Council certified sources. Artificial lighting was re-designed to interact with natural sources, a daylight harvesting system was implemented, and a central automation and control network was installed to monitor occupancy and save energy in real time. Throughout the refit, demolished material was recycled in excess of 75 percent, and any new paints were low VOC (volatile organic compound).

Modern eco-friendly amenities abound, such as the thirty-three indoor bicycle parking spaces that make green commuting much more convenient for tenants. The building also boasts some of the most sophisticated office and conference technologies in the City. But does the investment outweigh the risk? According to Amber Marie Bently, the president of Bently Holdings, it does: “We feel owning a LEED-Certified building gives us a competitive advantage in the market even during such an economically difficult time.”

Preserving San Francisco History

One might think that refitting an eighty-five year old building to meet and exceed modern green standards would take away from its historic charm, but Bently Holdings has methodically preserved this building’s original magnificence. From the lavish mural in the lobby by celebrated artist Jules Guerin, to the prominent Beaux-Arts Ionic Colonnade, to the dazzling period chandeliers in the Banking Hall, the Bently Reserve is as much a part of San Francisco’s colorful past as its bright future.


About Bently Holdings:
 Founded in 2001 as a sustainable luxury real estate and property holdings company, Bently Holdings has become a benchmark for California’s green building initiatives.

Update: while the strike has been averted, these are still fantastic tips to travel green every day. Perhaps some of our readers can learn from the plans they made for a possible strike.

Commuting to Work

For the Conservative Conservationist

One of the simplest and most common ways to go green is carpooling. Not only does it limit harmful emissions by reducing the number of vehicles on the road, but it makes you feel good about reducing your carbon footprint. Other advantages to carpooling include shortened commute time and the financial benefit of sharing toll charges that can top six bucks, depending on the route you travel.

Sounds awesome right? But what if you find yourself unable to fill the seats necessary to avoid getting a $381.00 ticket from the Highway Patrol for illegal use of the High Occupancy Vehicle Lane? Or say you decide to take on the role of rider but cannot stomach the notion, or even worse, the fragrance of mass transit? Well, you need look no further than the line forming on your local street corner. Causal Car Pooling, or “Slugging” is the practice of waiting to be picked up by a random driver looking to reach the HOV passenger minimum, which is usually 3 or more people. To become a Slugger all you need to do is show up at a designated pick up spot in your city and wait to be picked up. That’s it. And once you obtain a ride, simply follow these basic Slugging etiquette tips and you’re on your way to being green:

• No talking unless the driver initiates conversation.
• Never accept a ride out of turn.
• No open windows unless all passengers approve.
• No money is ever exchanged or requested.
• Go easy on the cologne and perfume. Also, no personal grooming inside the vehicle.
• Smoking and drinking of beverages is prohibited, unless the driver permits it.
• The driver has full control of the radio and passengers may not request a station or change the volume. Also please refrain from yelling out “that’s my $%@! jam!” should your favorite song be played.
• Drivers are not to pick up Sluggers en route to or standing outside the line, a practice referred to as “body-snatching.”

Finer Point:

“Slugging” originated in the 1970′s with city bus drivers who had to determine if prospective riders standing at the bus stop were “real” passengers waiting for the bus, or fake “slugs” waiting to be picked up by a car pooler looking to fill up his vehicle. More useful travel tips and information on Slugging can be found at slug-lines.com.

For the Green Giant

Should you choose to jump into being green with both feet first, then mass transit is a step in the right direction. Leaving your your car at home for just one day will have a positive environmental impact by reducing the harmful carbon emissions responsible for the Greenhouse Effect. Thankfully the Bay Area has a myriad of options for public transportation including the following:

AC Transit provides service originating in the East Bay and services San Francisco, San Mateo and Palo Alto. AC Transit currently operates 3 hydrogen powered buses on their 50 and 57 lines, and has plans plans to purchase 10 hybrid-diesel buses in the future. For your convenience AC Transit also offers wireless internet on some buses that serve Transbay lines.

SF MUNI services the city and county of San Francisco. Its network is a combination of bus, trolley, Muni Metro and historic cable car lines. Many buses in their 1000 vehicle fleet are diesel-powered, with a little less than 1/3 that are zero-emission and powered by overhead electrical wires. Underground Muni Metro rail systems typically share the same station as BART.

Further information on these and other transit options servicing the Peninsula such as Caltrain, Golden Gate Transit, and SamTrans can be found here at 511.org.

Tips for traveling the rails? Trains typically run every 5 to 15 minutes during commuting hours, so it’s okay if you miss one. You don’t want to be the guy who holds everyone up because your JanSport backpack got caught while bursting through closing doors.

Finer Point:

The IRS now allows up to 120.00 per month in pre-tax transit benefits which can be applied toward the purchase of qualified transportation expenses. Check with your employer to get the process started.

For the Tree Hugger

If you feel like car pooling isn’t green enough or that using public transportation is child’s play, then you may want to consider mankind’s most basic form of transportation: walking. Walking is very simple. It requires no fossil fuel consumption, no expensive maintenance, and has health benefits to boot. Some would say walking is the most perfect form of green transportation that you can find, and it’s also good for you. Unless of course you accidentally walk through a bad neighborhood and then we would highly recommend you break into a slow jog or maybe even consider running. You can avoid this pedestrian hazard by using websites like mapmywalk.com to plan the optimal route if you are unfamiliar with the area. Basic membership is free, but if you want to be able to print your mapped route then you will need to upgrade to a premium account which is only five bucks a month.

Not a walker? Then you may want to look into bike commuting. It also has obvious health benefits and under the Bicycle Commuter Act, a $20.00 per month tax credit is available for employees who bike to work. There is a wealth of information on bike commuting at bikecommuters.com. You can also check back here at a later date for more information on the subject.

Flipside of the coin:

Believe it or not some environmental experts believe the physical act of walking is actually more harmful to the environment than driving a car. For example, a person who walks 3 miles to a shopping center will lose more calories than a person who drives the same distance. The extra food needed to replace those lost calories, approximately 100 per mile, will most likely have been produced using an industrial process that is more harmful to the environment than the CO2 emissions coming from a 3 mile trip in a vehicle. Of course the entire theory is thrown out the window if the driver is going to the mall for a hoagie. You can form your own opinion by reading this article in its entirety.

Consider yourself officially enlisted in the ongoing fight to save our planet. You now have the knowledge to be eco-friendly, or at the very least, fortify your current efforts. These easy commuting tips will undoubtedly help you arrive to work feeling greener!

Arriving on time may be a different story.

Brian Huse, executive director of the Coral Reef Alliance, and Rick MacPherson, director of conservation programs, discussed the state of coral reefs and why they’re invaluable to our planet.

Coral reefs provide local coastline communities with natural shelter from storm damage, and bolster local economies through tourism. When not abused, they’re an important source of food, both locally and abroad. They’ve even become an important resource for the medical industry: coral can be used as a bone graft substitute, and reefs are providing doctors with new antibiotics that can save lives.

On the global scale, coral reefs are a vital part of the oceans’ delicate ecosystem: they serve as shelter and nursery for an astounding 25% of all marine life. This includes plankton, the irreplaceable foundation of the oceans’ entire food chain.

Sadly, coral reefs have become threatened by global warming, coastal development, and over-fishing. Even if you don’t live near a coral reef, your decisions can make a difference: conserve energy to cut down on global warming, don’t eat fish gathered from over-harvested seas, and try to purchase local organic products that cut down on the carbon footprint left by the food and transportation industries. And finally, spread awareness of this important issue: the survival of the coral reefs is important to our whole planet!

Learn more at the Coral Reef Alliance, and watch part of the coral reef discussion below:

It is here the world’s largest annual dolphin kill takes place in a hidden bay that is watched over by armed guards and obscured behind blue tarpaulins. What occurs beyond the patrols and scrims is one of Japan’s darkest secrets: pods of dolphins are herded into the bay, where they are trapped behind a wall of nets and butchered by whalers with spears and knives.

The goal of The Cove is to stop these barbaric acts by exposing them to the world. The filmmakers risk everything to capture this footage, and we vividly feel the danger they’re in – but as with any groundbreaking film that transcends its genre, there are elements humor, and the touching narrative of one man’s personal redemption.

This a documentary that we believe everyone should see, and at Bently Holdings we hope to witness the end of the Dolphin Killings. The Cove captures the power of filmmakers so committed to an important cause that they’ll stake their lives on it.

The Cove: Trailer

Learn More:

Secret film will show slaughter to the world

The Official Movie Site

savejapandolphins.org

Sundance Film Festival 2009: The Cove

Louie Psihoyos, “The Cove”: An Ecological Crisis and Green Filmmaking

Commuting to Work

For the Conservative Conservationist

One of the simplest and most common ways to go green is carpooling. Not only does it limit harmful emissions by reducing the number of vehicles on the road, but it makes you feel good about reducing your carbon footprint. Other advantages to carpooling include shortened commute time and the financial benefit of sharing toll charges that can top six bucks, depending on the route you travel.

Sounds awesome right? But what if you find yourself unable to fill the seats necessary to avoid getting a $381.00 ticket from the Highway Patrol for illegal use of the High Occupancy Vehicle Lane? Or say you decide to take on the role of rider but cannot stomach the notion, or even worse, the fragrance of mass transit? Well, you need look no further than the line forming on your local street corner. Causal Car Pooling, or “Slugging” is the practice of waiting to be picked up by a random driver looking to reach the HOV passenger minimum, which is usually 3 or more people. To become a Slugger all you need to do is show up at a designated pick up spot in your city and wait to be picked up. That’s it. And once you obtain a ride, simply follow these basic Slugging etiquette tips and you’re on your way to being green:

• No talking unless the driver initiates conversation.
• Never accept a ride out of turn.
• No open windows unless all passengers approve.
• No money is ever exchanged or requested.
• Go easy on the cologne and perfume. Also, no personal grooming inside the vehicle.
• Smoking and drinking of beverages is prohibited, unless the driver permits it.
• The driver has full control of the radio and passengers may not request a station or change the volume. Also please refrain from yelling out “that’s my $%@! jam!” should your favorite song be played.
• Drivers are not to pick up Sluggers en route to or standing outside the line, a practice referred to as “body-snatching.”

Finer Point:

“Slugging” originated in the 1970′s with city bus drivers who had to determine if prospective riders standing at the bus stop were “real” passengers waiting for the bus, or fake “slugs” waiting to be picked up by a car pooler looking to fill up his vehicle. More useful travel tips and information on Slugging can be found at slug-lines.com.

For the Green Giant

Should you choose to jump into being green with both feet first, then mass transit is a step in the right direction. Leaving your your car at home for just one day will have a positive environmental impact by reducing the harmful carbon emissions responsible for the Greenhouse Effect. Thankfully the Bay Area has a myriad of options for public transportation including the following:

AC Transit provides service originating in the East Bay and services San Francisco, San Mateo and Palo Alto. AC Transit currently operates 3 hydrogen powered buses on their 50 and 57 lines, and has plans plans to purchase 10 hybrid-diesel buses in the future. For your convenience AC Transit also offers wireless internet on some buses that serve Transbay lines.

BART is also a convenient green alternative when traveling from the East Bay into the Peninsula with the average ride time from Downtown Oakland to Powell Street near Union Square being 20 minutes. Parking is available at most stations on a daily or monthly basis, and can be purchased online at the BART website. Tickets can only be purchased on-site using cash or credit, and always give yourself a few extra minutes just in case there is a queue.

BART is susceptible to delays, but they typically last no longer than 15 minutes. If you allow plenty of time for travel and unexpected incidents you will find BART to be an efficient and relatively inexpensive mode of transportation around the Bay. Be mindful to keep your BART ticket away from your cellular phone, or you will demagnetize its magnetic strip. The ticket can be replaced at no additional cost, but the inconvenience of taking a damaged ticket to an office, and the subsequent hoops that follow, may not be worth it if the remaining denomination is low.

SF MUNI services the city and county of San Francisco. Its network is a combination of bus, trolley, Muni Metro and historic cable car lines. Many buses in their 1000 vehicle fleet are diesel-powered, with a little less than 1/3 that are zero-emission and powered by overhead electrical wires. Underground Muni Metro rail systems typically share the same station as BART.

Further information on these and other transit options servicing the Peninsula such as Caltrain, Golden Gate Transit, and SamTrans can be found here at 511.org.

Tips for traveling the rails? Trains typically run every 5 to 15 minutes during commuting hours, so it’s okay if you miss one. You don’t want to be the guy who holds everyone up because your JanSport backpack got caught while bursting through closing doors.

Finer Point:

The IRS now allows up to 120.00 per month in pre-tax transit benefits which can be applied toward the purchase of qualified transportation expenses. Check with your employer to get the process started.

For the Tree Hugger

If you feel like car pooling isn’t green enough or that using public transportation is child’s play, then you may want to consider mankind’s most basic form of transportation: walking. Walking is very simple. It requires no fossil fuel consumption, no expensive maintenance, and has health benefits to boot. Some would say walking is the most perfect form of green transportation that you can find, and it’s also good for you. Unless of course you accidentally walk through a bad neighborhood and then we would highly recommend you break into a slow jog or maybe even consider running. You can avoid this pedestrian hazard by using websites like mapmywalk.com to plan the optimal route if you are unfamiliar with the area. Basic membership is free, but if you want to be able to print your mapped route then you will need to upgrade to a premium account which is only five bucks a month.

Not a walker? Then you may want to look into bike commuting. It also has obvious health benefits and under the Bicycle Commuter Act, a $20.00 per month tax credit is available for employees who bike to work. There is a wealth of information on bike commuting at bikecommuters.com. You can also check back here at a later date for more information on the subject.

Flipside of the coin:

Believe it or not some environmental experts believe the physical act of walking is actually more harmful to the environment than driving a car. For example, a person who walks 3 miles to a shopping center will lose more calories than a person who drives the same distance. The extra food needed to replace those lost calories, approximately 100 per mile, will most likely have been produced using an industrial process that is more harmful to the environment than the CO2 emissions coming from a 3 mile trip in a vehicle. Of course the entire theory is thrown out the window if the driver is going to the mall for a hoagie. You can form your own opinion by reading this article in its entirety.

Consider yourself officially enlisted in the ongoing fight to save our planet. You now have the knowledge to be eco-friendly, or at the very least, fortify your current efforts. These easy commuting tips will undoubtedly help you arrive to work feeling greener!

Arriving on time may be a different story.

On December 18th, 2007 saw the evolution of one of San Francisco’s hottest tickets, the Global Green eco-fabulous fundraiser at the Bently Reserve. The event now in it’s 3rd year was hosted at the Bently Reserve once more and had everything from organic tequila bars to an all natural fashion couture fashion show. Guests were joined by Jason Lewis, Josie Maran, Deepak Chopra, Jason Behr, and Michelle Branch. Special guests were treated to a special acoustic set by Michelle Branch during a private dinner before the party. This year record funds were raised to further the efforts of the California green schools initiative and the green building of New Orleans.

On December 12th, 2006 the Bently’s hosted the San Francisco Global Green fundraising event, Gorgeous and Green at the Bently Reserve. The Bently’s along with celebrity hosts Leonardo DiCaprio, Salma Hayek, Kevin Connelly, Mia Maestro, Lukas Haas, Gael Garcia Bernal, Orlando Bloom, William McDonough, Jonny Moseley and many more all worked to heighten the awareness of issues tackled by the organization. It was a night to remember with many green businesses presenting alternative ways to sustainable lifestyles among a gorgeous decor and cocktails. Our own sister company, Bently Biofuels was also on site demonstrating the use and benefits of biodiesel alongside the new all electric Tesla super car.

For 2007, PRBO together with Bently Holdings hosted the Blue Ball, a celebration fund raiser at the Bently Reserve, September 27th in honor of the 40 years of conducting research at the Farallon Islands and their 35 year partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The Blue Ball was a spectacular event raising over $120,000.00 for the continuing efforts at the islands. PRBO has been an instrumental force in the cleanup of the recent Cosco ship oil spill. The Bently’s are so impressed with the organization and efforts of PRBO that both Christopher and Amber Marie sit on the non profit’s board of directors. Find out more about the Point Reyes Bird Observatory and show them your support for their work on what is referred to as the Galapagos of the North, the glorious Farallon islands.