In the Green

Today we are witnessing a movement in which people are sensitive and knowledgeable about how their communities affect their health and the environment. Reducing one’s carbon imprint and implementing sustainable building practices are becoming more critical now for developers, property owners, tenants and related service companies. Current and future residents will associate the important steps being taken for enhancing their surroundings with the caring concern of ownership. As a result, customer service has to become “green” too, and rest assured, environmentally sensitive factors will play a part when purchasing or renting a residential or multi-family housing unit or leasing commercial space.

Consequently, property owners would be remiss to ignore the focus on the green movement, which began in the 1990s. According to the US Green Building Council, in 2007 green buildings accounted for 10 to 15 percent of overall new construction. In the last three years the USGBC has witnessed phenomenal membership growth from 500 to approximately 12,000 members.

The USGBC is creating a blueprint for environmentally responsible and healthy places to live and work and has developed a ratings system for sustainable building practices, referred to as Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design. Based on sustainable building practices criteria, silver, gold and platinum certificates are earned. These are quickly being recognized on a national and global basis.