This is a headquarters relocation for the association, which is currently based at 1101 14th St. NW. Associations like American Wind Energy that wish to occupy LEED certified space in the District find that market trends are not working in their favor. For starters, most of the Gold LEED certified space in the District is either coming online or otherwise occupied--space ready to be rented right now, in other words, is in very short supply. Silver LEED office space is more available, but in such areas as the CBD and the East End it is often snagged by law firms that need to be in these areas and want the most modern offices, which are usually LEED certified.

Cost is also an issue for many associations, Bynum says in a prepared statement. "There are many organizations, such as the American Wind Energy Association, that want LEED certified space but at lower price point." By negotiating a retrofit to LEED CI, American Wind got its green office space but at rates lower than what a trophy building would command, he says. Jones Lang LaSalle did not return calls to GlobeSt.com in time for publication. The office building at 1501 M St. is a 156,686-sf property that is close to 90% occupied.