Going green can lead to more

Sustainable structures have been found to command a higher price and a higher rent. So, if you are developing or renovating a structure, going green can result in more green in your pocket. The U.S. Green Building Council is a non-profit that establishes certain standard for green building certifications. One well known standard is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED. LEED is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. LEED standards focus on human and environmental health, sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. State and local governments are also embracing LEED in their construction of publicly-funded buildings. If you are planning to have a structure LEED certified, it is best to incorporate that into your early planning stages. See USGBC.org for useful information. If you are a builder, be sure to obtain the LEED certification if you promise to deliver upon one or you risk being sued. Similar lawsuits have been on the rise.

Monica Zent from ZentLaw