There seems to be a disconnect between mandates for green buildings and the problems evident across the United States with construction projects coming to a standstill.  Yet, according to Commercial Property News, ( CPN)  “Green building efforts continue to gain momentum with the House passage of energy and climate legislation that provides incentives while accelerating the benefits of sustainability and environmental performance.  But the bill isn’t ready for the Senate yet.”  In a recent feature on GreenLegals, architect Roger Manny of Jacobs Global Buildings, part of Jacobs Engineering Group, pointed out the problems with building and construction.  However, Manny is talking creativity with regard to green buildings.

“What we are trying to do is to encourage retailers in the development of methods for saving energy — such as daylight harvesting linked through controls to efficient lighting and also capturing waste heat from refrigeration equipment for heating purposes.”

He added, “Nonetheless, it is hard to convince people that if they spend now, they will see a return on investment soon enough down the line.”

CPN further noted that legislation could stimulate growth:  “ ‘This legislation, specifically the Retrofit for Energy & Environmental Performance (REEP) program, will help accelerate the commercial real estate market’s update of green buildings by offering enticing incentives like credit enhancements, interest rate subsidies and initial capital for public revolving loan funds,’ ” Ashley Katz, communications manager for the U.S. Green Building Council, told CPN.

“’The financial benefits that will be offered as part of the REEP program will help make green building even more affordable. This legislation will also help make our nation’s vast existing building stock greener.’” Commercial Property News

We hope so, Mr. Katz.  We certainly hope so.

–RW