Henke, according to M&G EVP Daniel Quinn, "was early to the game" in understanding the benefits of sustainable design, adding that the USGBC honor reflects her advance preparation as others in the commercial real estate and broader business communities scramble to catch up to the rapidly emerging arena. "It is only recently that the corporate, investment and marketing sectors have come to realize the value [of green building] with their customers," Quinn says. Henke's selection "is a great way for her to help Meredith & Grew clients address this important aspect of development," continues Quinn, the director of M&G's Development & Advisory Services Group.

As a member of that team, Henke helps on design management, procurement strategies and value engineering during both pre-construction and construction. The environmental aspect of a project increasingly involves seeking a LEED certificate. Henke is a LEED 2.0 accredited professional, and as such has already advised many real estate developers and related parties on strategies that can enhance the environmental scope of a development and possibly earn a higher LEED rating.

The ability to help clients wade through the minutiae and emerging regulations that can be detailed and at times contradictory does appear to be a skill in demand, as evidenced in M&G's home state, where environmental officials have just announced a requirement that new development show sustainability. And that local endeavor being embraced by new Gov. Deval Patrick's administration is hardly unique to the Bay State, with the global warming debate leading to similar initiatives throughout the country.