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NewsUrban Land Institute Explores Perspectives on Building for SustainabilityAugust 21, 2007
San Diego, CA - The Urban Land Institute (ULI) San Diego/Tijuana Chapter hosted a breakfast presentation on Tuesday, August 14 at the downtown University Club about how different real estate disciplines view sustainability. Speakers included Steven Kapp from the California Center for Sustainable Energy, Paul Twardowski from Hines, Patrick Fuscoe from Fuscoe Engineering and Randy Hanna from Architects Hanna Gabriel Wells. Stephen Kapp pointed out that the built environment uses 12 percent of the potable water supply, emits 38 percent of CO2 in this country, uses 40 percent of our raw materials, adds 65 percent in waste consumption and uses 70 percent of our electricity supply. Green buildings can reduce electricity consumption by 30 percent, lower carbon emissions by 40 percent, reduce water usage by 35 percent and add 50 to 90 percent in waste cost savings. The US Green Building Council administers an energy and efficiency certification program called LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. By their records, San Diego has 11 LEED certified projects, with 100 more in the cue. Throughout the United States, approximately 1000 buildings are LEED certified. Fuscoe works with his clients to prepare their site with water saving strategies like biofiltration and pervious pavement. He said that some strategies may cost more initially but in the long run save money. A great strategy for better cooperation with public works is to get the city to buy in early to the sustainable design concept, which results in greater cooperation throughout the process. He said the City of Irvine is implementing a Green Street initiative which includes tree canopies, narrow streets, traffic calming and biofiltration. Hanna said that the architect focuses on creating better and healthier buildings for people. Increasing daylight and improving air quality are leading indicators for increased worker productivity. Owners need to be committed before starting the design process so that the architect can produce the most effective plans. Sustainability components add value over the long run, so building green is not as cost effective for owners who build and flip, he added. Twardowski said that the market is now demanding green buildings, and the developer must be the one to take the lead in implementing sustainability measures in their projects. "There is lots of capital going into sustainable technology and LEED certification is evolving," he explained. He added that CALPER now has a Green Fund which is becoming very popular. Some cities like San Francisco and Seattle are creating incentives and mandates to build green. San Francisco has an expedited permit process for green projects and Seattle mandates green roofs on all new buildings. About ULI # # # |
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