Green/LEED
What is a Brownfield?
Sep 22nd
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines a “Brownfield \braun-fē(Ə)ld\ — The term “Brownfield site” means real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.” More >
Greening the Lease
Jul 30th
The USGBC (United States Green Building Council) has experience tremendous grown in recent years. Membership, which includes over 18,000, has more than quadrupled since 2000. During that same time, the USGBC has certified over 2,000 commercial projects, and has projects seeking certification in all 50 states. The USGBC had also accredited over 80,000 LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs). More >
Brokers Build “Green” Expertise
Jul 12th
With an ever increasing number of “green” commercial properties populating the national landscape, many real estate brokers are developing the expertise necessary to discuss the impact of energy efficiency with their clients. More >
Green Shoots at Real Vienna?
Jun 2nd
Whilst attendance and the number of Exhibitors superficially appeared disappointing at Real Vienna – besides NAI Global, only CBRE and Colliers from the major international service provider groups had Stands – the mood of the investors present was more positive than in the previous year.
The CEE region is slowly showing signs of recovery and, in the investment market, this is most marked in Poland followed by the Czech Republic. With industrial production up 12.3% and 10.2%, respectively, in the year to March 2010, GDP growth for these two countries in 2010 is forecast at 2.6% and 0.9%. The relatively few international investors which are active are focusing on security and are therefore looking for very well located, high specification property leased to first class covenants for long periods. There is also a preference for newly completed buildings with contractors’ guarantees against building defects. Several reasonably large transactions have recently been reported in the 7-7.50% range. More >
How the BP Spill Affects Property Values
May 27th
Two weeks after the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, a residential broker in the Florida Panhandle blogged that the oil spill was already taking its toll on their local housing market. The location of the spill is 50 miles offshore and at that time was only seen in pictures and video. There were no effects yet on coastal wildlife or property. The broker explained that he lives in an area where property values are dependent on access to white sandy beaches and anything that threatens that has to be taken into account. “Part of what we sell is the lifestyle of living on or near the beach,” he blogged. More >
