“One of the top priorities in creating non-commodity space is providing a healthy environment,” Marie Kastens, associate Director of Asset Services at CBRE, tells GlobeSt.com. “Building design trends are integrating with wellness initiatives. In addition to working toward sustainable practices, studies prove that a healthy work environment suggests increases in productivity. Atlanta has done a phenomenal job of paying attention to the environmental concerns of the masses and incorporating measures to achieve healthy spaces during working hours.”

The overall results of the study do show that the while the uptake of green building practices in the 30 largest US cities continues to be significant, adoption is slowing. In 2014 the total square feet of green office space in the top 30 markets was 39.3% compared to the latest rate of 39.6%.

“This likely reflects the fact that only a certain fraction of the building stock can obtain a green or energy-efficiency certification,” says Dr. Nils Kok, associate professor in Finance and Real Estate, Maastricht University. “Additionally, we believe that some buildings that were previously certified did not renew their certification in 2015. This does not necessarily mean that the energy use of these buildings has changed, but that some owners and managers may choose not to spend the time or expense to reapply for certification every year.”

Is “walkable” the new black in multifamily? Check out one opinion.