July 27, 2005—Building green is both socially responsible and good for the bottom line, according to developers at the recent Developing Green conference recently sponsored by the Urban Land Institute (ULI).
The two-day conference, chaired by Kenneth W. Hubbard, executive vice president of Hines in New York City, was held June 28-29 in Washington, D.C. The event drew about 300 attendees from the building industry, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the US Green Building Council and public officials from across the country, according to the Institute.
Green construction elements include water and energy efficiency, healthy paints and glues, all natural, undyed carpet made from 100 percent wool, recycled wood and building products. The greatest cost savings are gained with energy efficiency.
The benefits of green building were highlighted by Michael Pawlukiewicz, director, environmental and policy education for ULI. He referred to a study by the Real Estate Round Table that showed a number of major corporations, such as J.C. Penney, which saved $30 million a year on energy costs, and PNC Bank in Pittsburgh, which realized a 15 percent increase in productivity in its green buildings.
For more information, visit the ULI Web site.
