Washington, D.C., February 3, 2011 – Thomas J. Bisacquino, president of NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, today issued a statement regarding President Obama's announcement of the "Building Better Initiative."

NAIOP and its members are encouraged by President Obama's proposal of new efforts to improve energy efficiency in commercial buildings across the country. This issue has long been championed by NAIOP, as the commercial real estate development industry is steadily working toward being a more energy-efficient, responsible sector of business.

The President's aggressive approach to provide incentives for commercial building retrofits and new construction projects, as well as a new proposed competitive grant program, will be important factors in building owners' ability to retrofit and improve their properties. These incentives will not only make a difference to commercial owners, but are also valuable to schools and hospitals.

NAIOP will work with its membership to utilize these incentives and other resources to advance energy efficiency and move one step closer to improving air quality and lessening energy expenses.

NAIOP and the industry look forward to learning the specifics of this proposal and working with the administration and Congress on future programs and legislation related to this initiative.

About NAIOP:

NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, is the leading organization for developers, owners and related professionals in office, industrial and mixed-use real estate. NAIOP comprises 15,000 members in North America. NAIOP advances responsible commercial real estate development and advocates for effective public policy. For more information, visit www.naiop.org.