For Better or Worse: White House Proposes Better Buildings Initiative

Posted on March 16, 2011 by K&L Gates

By Martin E. Garza (Dallas)

President Obama has proposed new efforts to make commercial buildings more efficient through his “Better Buildings Initiative” (BBI ). The BBI includes a variety of tools, including tax incentives, loan guarantees, streamlining of regulations and other measures, to further energy efficiency in buildings. If these initiatives move forward, owners and managers of offices, stores, schools, municipal buildings, universities, hospitals, and other commercial buildings may be looking at energy saving upgrades to their facilities. Some industry groups are beginning to line up in support of this initiative, while others may be less than enthusiastic about how such measures would be adopted and implemented.

Outline of the Better Buildings Initiative
According to the White House, in 2010 commercial buildings consumed roughly 20 percent of all energy in the U.S. economy. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that about 30 percent of energy in buildings is used inefficiently or unnecessarily. Improved energy efficiency in buildings can “create jobs, save money, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and make our air cleaner,” claims the White House.

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New York, NY: Drafting and Negotiating Construction and Design Contracts: Meeting the Challenges of Sustainable Development 2010

Posted on July 1, 2010 by K&L Gates

July 15, 2010 

PLI New York Center
New York, NY

Online brochure

Presenters: Josh M. Leavitt
Sponsors: Practising Law Institute

The movement toward a more sustainable built environment continues to grow at a rapid clip, notwithstanding the economic challenges facing the design and construction industry as a whole. You need to be able to advise your industry clients about the challenges of designing and building green. It is important not to run into the “red” by going “green.”

This course is designed to provide you with the tools to evaluate green risks and properly serve your clients in the drafting and negotiation of their contracts, as well as providing advice during the performance of their services. You will learn the basics of the most important green certification program for private development - the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (“LEED”) rating system, from LEED Accredited Professionals.

You will also be given the information necessary to advise your clients regarding the federal government’s green initiatives. The American construction industry is “going green” and you need to understand the ramifications for owner, designers, contractors, and lenders. This course will give you the tools you need to guide industry participants through this vital and vibrant subject.


 

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