Green Must Be Industry Standard

NEW YORK CITY-The benefits of developing and owning a green building are undeniable, and the need for environmental change in US production practices is no longer disputable. That was the consensus of opinion from experts sharing their views yesterday at Real Estate Media’s inaugural RealShare Green Buildings conference. For years, they said, the industry has been slow to embrace the idea of green buildings, but awareness continues to grow stronger.

Currently more than 65 local governments have made a commitment to LEED standards in building construction, with some reducing the entitlement process by as much as one year and offering advantageous tax credits. Annual energy costs–a major office building expense–are reduced by as much as 30% perhaps more with forthcoming technology.