New Three-Tiered System for LEED Credentialing

Beginning in May, "LEED professional credentialing will be based on a tiered program that aligns varying levels of knowledge and qualifications with three levels of accreditation." There will also be Credential Maintenance Requirements for each tier. See the Residential Architect article

Going Green Makes Good Business Sense

Recently, Los Angeles became the largest American city to enact strict environmental standards on private-sector construction. Through its Green Building Act of 2006, Washington D.C. was the first major U.S. city to mandate green construction for all privately owned real estate. Then Boston went a step further when it adopted a zoning code that stipulated requirements for renovation projects of existing buildings. Fourteen percent of U.S. cities with populations of more than 50,000 have green building programs, and many more will soon follow. See The Greening of America

Sustainability a Factor in Leasing Commercial Space

Sustainable environments are becoming increasingly more important within the workplace. Businesses are learning of the economic benefits, and green offices and retail spaces can help boost employee and customer retention. See Seth Werner's GlobeSt.com article: Greening Your Commercial Space

Simple Ways to Build Green

Five articles expolore ways to incorporate green building materials and methods in residential design, including photovolatic roof modules and insulated concrete forms. See 5 Great Green Building Examples by HousingZone.com writers Susan Bady, Felicia Oliver, Bill Lurz, Mark Jarasek, and Jennifer Powell.

Is Green Building Risky?

With an increased number buildings seeking LEED certification, building owners and their consultants and service providers must consider the use of new, untested products and materials and any liability claims that may result. Matt Hudgins interviews insurance executives in Are You Covered?