Love might be too strong of a word but you get the point. The idea of LEED de-certification has touched off a firestorm of comments, some in support and others in objection. I think a follow up post is warranted. First, I want to clarify one important piece of information as I noticed some were … Continue Reading
Disclaimer: If you are sensitive to or frightened by new risks and liabilities in the green building industry, please skip this post. On Monday, I highlighted the USGBC’s decision to create requirements to ensure a building’s performance matches modeled energy savings. I finished the post by asking, what happens to projects that do not comply? … Continue Reading
I’m impressed. In one fell swoop, the USGBC has stepped up to the plate to address the primary criticisms of the LEED rating system. Kudos to Scot Horst and the USGBC for acknowledging an issue that has bothered many users of the LEED rating system: “Today there is all too often a disconnect, or performance … Continue Reading
If there was a LEEDigation doomsday clock, I would move it up about 5 minutes towards midnight based on the following decision by the USGBC.* Real Life LEED recently reported that the USGBC has decreed that, starting June 26, 2009, Credit Interpretation Requests (CIRs) will no longer be applicable to all projects: "Effective June 26, … Continue Reading
As you may know, this week is the United States Green Building Council’s national event, GreenBuild, in Boston: USGBC’s Greenbuild conference and expo is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with other green building peers, industry experts, and influential leaders as they share insights on the green building movement and its diverse specialties. This year’s theme … Continue Reading
Here at Green Building Law Update, we remain troubled by the disbanding of the proposed ASHRAE 189.1 green building code committee, but we have to point out one bright spot. As you may recall, last week we discussed the merits of the “Proposed Standard 189: Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise … Continue Reading
This week at GBLU, we are focusing on the Shaw Development v. Southern Builders case, the first significant example of green building litigation. On Monday, GBLU explained the importance of the case and reviewed the basic facts. Today GBLU will review the most important part of the case, the contract between the parties and accompanying … Continue Reading
You may remember that in previous posts, GBLU warned that September was going to be a big month for green building regulations in Washington D.C. It was anticipated that the D.C. City Council would vote on new green building codes on September 16 but the codes were tabled to allow for more feedback from affected parties. But … Continue Reading
While GBLU has written extensively about green building bonds, a reader recently pointed out that green building insurance should not be overlooked. When you talk about green building insurance programs, you have to start with Fireman’s Fund. Back in October 2006, Fireman’s Fund had the foresight to launch three products for commercial green buildings, … Continue Reading
On August 7, I had the pleasure of attending the USGBC National Captial Region’s annual event, a Midsummer Night’s Green. This year, the event was held in the stunning World Bank Atrium. Tyler Coffey of Sigal Construction did a great job choosing the venue and organizing the event. Bisnow on Business has a good summary of … Continue Reading