Why Go LEED?

LEED, Leader in Energy and Environmental Design, is a system of evaluating buildings according to a series of energy and environmental standards that translate to a numerical rating or LEED credits.

National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) says that more than half of the worlds 500 largest corporations say they want to build and occupy real estate that reflects their values (i.e. being environmentally friendly) and many issued sustainability reports as well. Companies are starting to engage in RPI, or responsible property investing, looking at things like urban reinvestment, and energy conservation, taking into account both environmental benefits and also generating market rates of return.

Green buildings have many features that attract buyers such as reduced utility costs, health benefits, self-contained emergency water and power supplies, and retaining value far longer.
Green promotion can help business. First, because anything that fosters action on climate protects business, and second, it generates free press. Aspen Skiing Company took some green steps in improving their lodge, and got roughly $100,000 worth of coverage by Time alone. 4 Times Square is the first green high rise office building in U.S. A new building adjacent from that will be the Bank of America at One Bryant Park. It will be the second tallest building in NYC. The budget for this project is $1 billion but it is estimated that less than 2% of the costs are related to green features.

LEED certified buildings offer specific advantages for those who wish to conserve resources. They are:
-Leading the tranformation of the built enviornment
-built as designed and perform as expected
-have lower operating costs and increased asset value
-healthy and comfortable for their occupants
-reduce waste sent to landfills
-conserve energy and water
-Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions
-qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances, and other incentives in hundreds of cities
-demonstrate an owenr's commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility

Information taken from http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19

Why Go Green?

Green Building, also known as sustainable building or environmental building, is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use and harvest energy, water, and materials, and reducing building impacts on human health and the environment, through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal — the complete building life cycle. It can also lead to benefits like reduced operating costs and increased productivity, while using fewer resources. LEED certification is the industry standard for green building evaluation. The photo above depicts the Dana Building on the University of Michigan Central campus. Located on 440 Church Street, this 100-year old building has undergone $25 million worth of green remodeling.

Rocky Mountain Institute says there can be a 50% reduction in energy use by building green, and it would keep an estimated 1.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions out of the atmosphere. As much as 40% of building cooling is a function of heat entering through existing glass. Also, 20-25% of a building’s energy consumption can be artificial lighting so many costs could be reduced if green materials and building were implemented.

LEED evaluates buildings according to a series of energy and enviornmental standards that translate to a numerical rating or LEED credits. LEED was created to accomplish the following:
-Define "green building" by establishing a common standard of measurement
-Promote integrated, whole -building design particles
-Recognize enviornmental leadership in the building industry
-Stimulate green competition
-Raise consumer awareness of green building benefits
-Transform the building market

Information taken from http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19

Great Visibility Downtown Saline

203 West Michigan Avenue is a multi-tenant office/retail building ideal for small businesses, CPA’s, law offices, insurance agencies, and retail uses. With many upgrades in process, take advantage of the affordable rates and establish your business in busy downtown Saline. 203 West Michigan Avenue is located on the south side of Michigan Avenue just west of the main downtown intersection of Michigan Avenue and Ann Arbor Street. Building features include an excellent location, an affordable rate, ample parking, numerous upgrades, and great visibility on Michigan Avenue. For more information, visit Bluestone Realty Advisors or contact Nick Rutan.

High Visibility in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Bluestone Realty Advisors is proud to present for sale the Cody Property located at 670 Textile Road in Pittsfield Township. As the last parcel of land on State Road with an Ann Arbor address, the Cody Property is 127 acres of land with high visibility on South State and Textile Roads. With close proximity to freeways and Michigan Avenue, the property offers an ideal setting for a business park or industrial user. Cody Property is zoned Research and Development and PUD for industrial uses. It is adjacent to the Avis Farms development, less than three miles from I-94 with all utilities in place. Other property highlights include 1,000 feet of frontage on State Road, and 3,000 feet of frontage on Textile Road. For more information, visit Bluestone Realty Advisors or contact Neal Warling.