Green & Design - July/August 2009 - (Page 50)
legal Here Come the Lawyers Tenants play a significant role in a building's green status By Richard J. Sobelsohn, Esq., LEED AP This is the second in a three-part series on legal green issues. We are no longer in a world where going “green” is just the right thing to do. It now does not make sense to ignore it. The existing economic incentives to go green are unrefuted. Though certifications through LEED or other organizations are extremely important, even if a property owner is unwilling to meet those minimum requirements, it still behooves him to adopt green building policies wherever he can. As such, it is incumbent upon everyone involved in the green building process to be mindful of all legal ramifications that may present themselves. This is true from the perspective of the property owner, property manager, contractors, engineers, architects, designers, vendors supplying products or services to the property, attorneys, and other consultants. who will occupy the project and who also share green concerns. Green buildings are attractive to owners and tenants alike, not only for the environmental good, but also for the bottom line monetary benefits. Studies have shown that overall operating expenses in a green building are lower than those not fitting the green standard. Furthermore, green buildings are shown to have healthier occupants, resulting in lower absenteeism and health care costs. Other studies show that worker productivity increases in green buildings. The prospective sophisticated tenant is cognizant of these benefits and is now beginning to seek out relocation to green buildings. Green building leases are, however, a two-edged sword. If a landlord wishes to maintain a green building, it will be incumbent upon it to require all tenants to adhere to the landlord’s green building requirements. The failure by a tenant to meet such In addition, the hiring of professionals to standards may not only relate to that get the purchaser to the green finish line tenant’s premises but have a greater will also relate to attracting the tenants impact on the entire project. If a build50 www.greenanddesign.com | July/August 2009
http://www.greenanddesign.com
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Green & Design - July/August 2009
Green & Design - July/August 2009
Contents
Editorial
Is Carbon Neutral Possible?
Products
Growing Green
Firmly Planted
The Energizer Effect
Natural Wonders
Above the Fray
Northern Exposure
Industrial Chic
Walking the Walk
Green Building Goes Global
Here Come the Lawyers
Do You Have to be LEED to be Green?
Ad Index
Green & Design - July/August 2009
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/greenanddesign_20090708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/greenanddesign_20090506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/greenanddesign_20090304
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com