LEED certification is rapidly becoming a dominant movement in commercial real estate. Whether you're a tenant looking at space or a developer considering a new project, LEED is a highly valuable building certification. Not surprisingly, three of the largest markets in the country are also among the most active markets for construction of LEED-certified buildings.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification is rapidly becoming the global standard for green building. The Urban Land Institute's Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2013 report likens LEED certification to a new car. It's something that every tenant wants.
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CFO's notice cost savings through more efficient layouts and lower operating costs.
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Design departments love the natural light.
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HR departments think a green building will attract Gen-Y employees.
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Gen-Y employees think the offices they work in can save the planet.
The corporate world has unified around the banner of LEED-certified commercial real estate. While this is the case nationwide, there are three cities that rank highest for number of LEED-registered and certified projects.
Washington, DC
In 2012, Washington, DC had 22.2 million square feet of LEED space certified - almost 37 square feet per person. In addition, neighboring Virginia certified 29.7 million square feet - 3.7 square feet per capita for the number two ranking. Between the City's strong support for LEED and Federal government's preferences for LEED-certified commercial real estate, it's not surprising that Washington, DC leads the country.
As an example of the environmental design in Washington, the Gold-certified retrofit of the U.S. Mint building features special garage parking lights that have motion sensors. It also uses high efficiency heaters in its fresh air system to consume half the energy that it used to. The air conditioning system uses outside air whenever possible instead of running its compressor unnecessarily.
Denver & Colorado
Colorado racked up 10.6 million square feet of LEED space for a total of 2.1 square feet per capita. LEED buildings in Denver included the new Denver Police Crime Lab. The Crime Lab saves water both inside and outside with highly-efficient landscaping and was built with recycled and locally sourced materials. The building was also designed for maximum indoor environmental quality and thanks to its unique design, offers outdoor views from 90% of its spaces.
Boston & Massachusetts
At 2.05 square feet per person and almost 13.4 million square feet of LEED space, Massachusetts takes third place. One of its accomplishments was erecting its first LEED Platinum skyscraper - Atlantic Wharf. Boston's first green skyscraper, Atlantic Wharf uses 42% less energy than other offices in New England. It uses rainwater for its cooling tower, 69% less domestic water compared to most offices and 75% less water for landscaping than other buildings in Boston. More than 20% of the building was built from recycled products.
The State of LEED
While these three cities are at the forefront of LEED, the rest of the country is following close behind. About 170 cities offer special privileges to builders of LEED-certified residential and commercial real estate. With benefits like tax breaks, grants or special treatment in the permitting process offered in these communities, you can expect to see more LEED buildings erected near you soon.
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