Greenbuild International Conference Report Documents Green Building Boom

McGraw-Hill Construction's Green Outlook 2009 was released November 19, 2008 at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Boston. The study reports that the value of green building construction starts was up five-fold between 2005 to 2008 from $10 billion to nearly $48 billion, and projects that number may triple by 2013, reaching $96-$140 billion. The report is now available on line.

Oregon Company Introduces Building Process CO2 Emission Measurement Tool

EcoLogistics LLC was launched earlier this year by national commercial developer Birtcher Development & Investments, LLC to advise developers and builders how to minimize CO2 emissions through the design and construction process. Its proprietary methodology, called the "EcoMethod", is designed to quantify CO2 reduction costs by source and through analysis of material, subcontractor and site logistics options. The basic idea behind the approach is to use more local resources and close-to-building site options to reduce carbon production. What interests us about EcoLogistics and the EcoMethod, is a practical approach that takes a broad look at the building design and construction process to help achieve climate change objectives. Take a look at their website at: www.ecologisticsllc.com.

USGBC's New LEED v3 Now Open for Comment

USGBC's Board of Directors has just released LEED Version 3 (LEED v3) for public comment. The decision is the culmination of a long term effort to update LEED to reflect today's building technology and climate change environments. LEED v3 incorporates several key new components including:
- a reorganization of the existing LEED Rating System;
- a more streamlined process for evaluating LEED certification requests;
- a major revision of the LEED Credit system (a re-weighting and point reallocation) based on building histories and best available science;
- and availability of bonus credits in recognition of innovation and design approaches to achieve Regional environmental priorities.

The LEED v3 Documents can be viewed by going to: http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1849 and clicking on your selected LEED rating system category under "LEED 2009 Member Ballot Open: View the Current Drafts" on the right hand side of the page.

Wind Energy Leases

Entering into a wind energy lease can be an exciting and worthwhile experience for landowners, as well as a great source of supplemental income. However, landowner's must exercise caution to ensure that they get the best financial deal as well as adequate protections for their properties.

Click here to read an article written by Justin Gericke on Wind Energy Leases.

Development Commission Report Makes Business Case for Green Construction

The Portland Development Commission has authored an excellent paper making a business case for constructing LEED or Green Globes certified buildings.

Among the benefits:
- Reduced insurance premiums and rate credits
(through the Fireman's Fund Green-Gard coverage)
- Decreased operating expenses
(through lower energy and water costs and reduced stormwater discharge fees)
- Tax incentives and credits
(state business energy and sustainable building tax credits)
- Premium rental rates for "green" lease space

The report addresses various green building methods which are not cost intensive such as building orientation, and use of natural ventilation shafts and roof overhangs to reduce energy costs. The report includes six case studies to support its conclusions.

Click here to view the study.