"We understand that the future of development lies with a new approach to building and we see the opportunities to create new businesses and new jobs while building a better, healthier more sustainable Boston," says Mayor Thomas M. Menino. Among the city's "green" buildings are the Manulife Headquarters on the South Boston Waterfront, the Boston Nature Center in Mattapan, the soon-to-be-opened solar powered Visitors Center on Spectacle Island and the Artists for Humanity building.

Third Sector is developing a multi-tenant office center for Boston non-profits in One Lincoln Plaza at 89 South St. by South Station. The nine-story property will provide affordable offices, sharing infrastructure, meeting space and administrative services. Dorchester Bay Economic Development is building a "green" community center at 191 and 195 Bowdoin St. They plan a 38 to 40,000 sf community center and retail complex.

The Green Building Feasibility Study grant program was announced by Menino in March 2004. A second round is expected to fund up to three additional projects.