| We've all seen the signs indicating a new construction | | | | impacts not only zoning but environmental impact for |
| project is underway. In this day and age more and | | | | new construction. LEED certification and Energy Star |
| more are becoming environmentally conscientious. | | | | ratings seem to be the future of construction |
| What does that mean for those who are in the | | | | projects. It's important to not only build beautiful |
| Construction field? It means they need to be on the | | | | buildings but buildings that are energy efficient, |
| cutting edge of green technology. | | | | healthy for their occupants to exist within and that |
| What is LEED? Leadership in Energy and | | | | they not harm the environment. |
| Environmental Design (LEED) is basically a third-party | | | | Those of us who populate those buildings can feel |
| certification program. It is a nationally accepted | | | | good about the part we are doing to help the |
| organization for design, operation and construction of | | | | environment and preserve what is left of the |
| high performance green buildings. This ensures the | | | | environment after years and years of taking natural |
| buildings are environmentally compatible, provide a | | | | resources for granted. Green technology as it |
| healthy work environment and are profitable. | | | | continues to catch on will generate additional jobs and |
| LEED certified buildings are commanding higher rental | | | | challenge conventional wisdoms. Look what happened |
| rates and great occupancy than the non-green | | | | in the auto industry with the electric cars. It didn't |
| buildings. This trend cannot help but impact the | | | | really catch on despite the fact that many who had |
| Investment community. The supply while gradually | | | | the opportunity to test drive them wanted to keep |
| increasing is not keeping up with the demand for | | | | them. Instead they were basically scrapped because |
| green buildings. LEED buildings are awarded points for | | | | of big business. Now we have hybrids and more and |
| sustainability for things like energy-efficient lighting, | | | | more companies are looking for ways to create cars |
| low-flow plumbing fixtures and collection of water to | | | | that are more environmentally friendly. |
| name a few. | | | | Interest in green technology will stimulate job-market |
| Recycled construction materials and energy efficient | | | | growth, and open up new business venues as it |
| appliances also impact the point rating system. In the | | | | continues to catch on. Just like any other market, |
| political climate of today's world, as the earth's natural | | | | competition is healthy and a monopoly is not. |
| resources are being depleted at an alarming rate the | | | | Increasing public awareness is crucial to the continued |
| construction industry is being compelled to look at | | | | expansion of LEED certification and the advancement |
| alternatives to traditional construction materials and | | | | of green technology in construction projects. |
| styles. | | | | So in summary, what is the impact that LEED has on |
| More and more legislation is being passed that | | | | new construction? |