Regional Challenges of LEED Certification "Responsible Property Investing: A Survey of American Executives" "Greening of Corporate America" SmartMarket Report

Tax Incentives for Nevada Developers Hillwood and Granite Properties Green Projects CB Richard Ellis Announces Carbon Reduction Plan Green Data Centers and IBM

Coalition Pledges Billions to Reduce Urban Energy Use Minnesota "Next Generation Energy Act of 2007" U.S. Green Building Council Offers New LEED Points

Green Comes to Development '07 Featured Publication - Developing Green: Strategies for Success Sustainable Development National Forum

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Regional Challenges of LEED Certification What do the eight climate zones in the U.S. have to do with the U.S. Green Building Council LEED rating system? Find out in this article by Jamey Huser, a LEED Accredited Professional from Reynolds, Smith and Hills, Inc. The article discusses the balance between climate and HVAC systems, glazing challenges and advancements in the context of the eight climate zones as defined by ASHRAE 90.1-2004 "Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings."

"Responsible Property Investing: A Survey of American Executives" What is already being done and what can be done to enhance the execution of real estate investing for the benefit of planet Earth? Some insight may be found in a survey by Gary Pivo, Ph.D. in collaboration with Institutional Real Estate, Inc. (IREI). The survey of CEO's at development companies, REITs, REOCs, U.S. pension funds, foundations and endowments with real estate assets and fund managers was issued in May 2007.

"Greening of Corporate America" SmartMarket Report The profitability of America's corporations will be closely tied to proactive sustainability practices and green building principles, according to findings from this landmark study commissioned by Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. and Siemens USA. The study found that 63 percent of CEOs recognize the financial benefits of green building while 57 percent think green fosters innovation within their companies. For more information on survey findings and purchasing this report, visit the Siemens Web site.

Tax Incentives for Nevada Developers Lawmakers in Nevada have come up with a revised green building bill offering tax incentives to developers who use eco-friendly building methods. The new bill allows for tax breaks of 2 percent to 8 percent for up to 10 years, a reduction of the original proposal of tax breaks ranging from 25 percent to 35 percent.

Hillwood and Granite Properties Green Projects Two developers in Texas are taking the green building ethic seriously with projects and pledges to use eco-friendly measures. Hillwood Properties has built a green industrial park in Southern California, and Granite Properties Inc. is vowing that all of its future office construction will be green, if possible. The article is available for purchase to non-GlobeSt direct subscribers for $3.95. (time limited as defined by publisher)

CB Richard Ellis Announces Carbon Reduction Plan In response to the growing demand for sustainable facilities from both clients and employees, CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) announced their goal of carbon neutrality by 2010. The global commercial real estate firm will assist clients with energy efficiency programs at the 1.7 billion square feet of building space that CBRE manages around the world. The company is also working closely with the Natural Resources Defense Council to introduce new energy saving measures at client-owned and occupied properties.

Green Data Centers and IBM IBM is redirecting $1 billion per year across its businesses, mobilizing the company's resources to dramatically increase the level of energy efficiency in IT. The plan includes new products and services for IBM and its clients to sharply reduce data center energy consumption, transforming the world's business and public technology infrastructures into "green" data centers.

Coalition Pledges Billions to Reduce Urban Energy Use What do 16 of the world's largest cities, five banks, a former U.S. president and companies that modernize aging buildings have in common? They all belong to a new coalition that is pledging billions of dollars under a plan developed through the William J. Clinton Foundation. Read more about how this coalition plans to finance cities and upgrade older buildings.

Minnesota "Next Generation Energy Act of 2007" Following his outline of energy initiatives in December 2006, Governor Tim Pawlenty signed new legislation that includes energy savings goals, community-based energy development and climate change and greenhouse gas reduction goals for 2015, 2025 and 2050. The act also establishes nation-leading requirements on Minnesota's electric utilities while ensuring reliability and cost-competitiveness of the state's electric system.

U.S. Green Building Council Offers New LEED Points "Innovation in Design" points are now available by using the Cradle to CradleSM program for certified building products on a number of criteria such as energy and water efficiency and materials reuse. The points are awarded to LEED projects that develop new solutions, employ new technologies, educate or realize exemplary performance in another area.

Green Comes to Development '07 How do you "green" industrial properties? What is the return on investment from going green? Do tenants value a green building? NAIOP's annual conference will feature an informative discussion of these topics and more during an Industrial Green Panel session. Additional sessions include a comprehensive overview by Jonathan Fenton-Jones, commercial director of Gazeley, on the company's sustainable development practices and eco-initiatives. Other not-to-be missed highlights of the conference are a case study in synergy and sustainable design and two project tours.

Featured Publication - Developing Green: Strategies for Success Are you thinking about "going green?" Developing Green: Strategies for Success, shows you how to build your business case and take advantage of tenants' and owners' interest in green development. Learn insiders' secrets to approaching the LEED® rating system strategically. Go on a national tour of sustainably designed commercial projects with the bonus CD of full-color case studies. To order Developing Green: Strategies for Success plus CD (Member price: $69.95), visit the NAIOP bookstore. Questions? Contact NAIOP's Publications Department at (800) 445-0443.

Sustainable Development National Forum Are you actively involved in developing green buildings? Consider joining the recently created General Forum on this topic. NAIOP National Forums, chaired by a prestigious group of industry leaders, are special interest groups for NAIOP members that provide exclusive networking and experience exchange with peers. For more information, visit the National Forums Web site.