Environmental due diligence is a critical component of any commercial real estate transaction. Understanding the environmental condition of a property before closing protects buyers, lenders, and investors from inheriting liability that belongs to someone else. NAC provides focused environmental services as part of our broader due diligence practice — giving clients a single firm to manage both the physical and environmental components of their assessment scope.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessments

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is a standard requirement for virtually every commercial real estate transaction. Lenders, investors, and buyers rely on the Phase I to identify recognized environmental conditions — potential or existing contamination that could affect property value or create liability exposure — before committing capital.

NAC performs Phase I ESAs in compliance with ASTM E1527 and the All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) Rule, providing the liability protection that lenders and investors require to proceed with confidence. For LIHTC and HUD-assisted transactions, Phase I ESAs are a required component of the due diligence package and must meet specific program requirements — NAC’s team understands those requirements and delivers reports that satisfy them.

A Phase I ESA involves a site visit and visual inspection of the property and surrounding area, interviews with owners, occupants, and key site contacts, a review of historical records and regulatory databases, and a professional opinion on the likelihood of environmental contamination. The process is non-invasive — no sampling or testing is involved at this stage.

Radon Testing

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate to hazardous levels in buildings, particularly in lower levels and basements. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and is present at elevated levels in many parts of the country.

NAC provides both short-term and long-term radon testing services for commercial and multifamily properties nationwide. For properties where elevated radon levels are identified, NAC can provide guidance on mitigation options and coordinate with qualified mitigation contractors.

Services Available

• Phase I Environmental Site Assessments — ASTM E1527 / AAI compliant
• Radon Testing — short term and long term, nationwide