The law firm of Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP has established an online "green building network" for the exchange of information and services related to sustainable real estate practices. The firm announced the network's formation in conjunction with "Building Green," a breakfast seminar on constructing, renovating and managing buildings in accordance with current standards for green construction.

Held in late October, the seminar reportedly drew a large audience from the development, construction and design communities, who received practical advice imparted by the speakers. The panelists included moderator Kenneth M. Block, co-chair of the real estate, environmental and construction practice group at Tannenbaum Helpern and also counsel for the New York chapter of the US Green Building Council; Murray A. Levi, vice president at the LiRo Group; John C. McGinley, vice president with Grubb & Ellis New York; and Mark Harari, co-president at Phbcatalystgroup Inc.

Levi provided an introduction to the USGBC's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system and Harari discussed how green impacts a project's construction budget and schedule. McGinley demonstrated an investment analysis, highlighting key advantages of green in the areas of productivity and reduced energy costs for tenants.