New industry research shows green building’s rapid rise in 19 countries, underscoring value for certification systems like LEED
WASHINGTON, D.C. – (Nov. 13, 2018) – The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced the results of the Dodge Data & Analytics World Green Building Trends 2018 SmartMarket Report, to which USGBC is a contributing partner. Overall, global green building activity continues to rise, with significant increases expected in 19 countries over the next three years. Importantly, nearly half of survey respondents expect that the majority of their projects in the next three years will be green buildings.
“With more and more people demanding and expecting healthier places to live and work, more and more leaders around the globe are committing to green building, which is now a trillion-dollar industry,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO of USGBC. “For the last 25 years, LEED has helped transform building practices. It continues to push the top performers, but we know that we can’t leave the other 80-90 percent of buildings behind. We need to get all buildings on a path to sustainability in order to raise the standard of living for all people around the world, regardless of their circumstances. And the results of this study show we are on the right path.”
Two-thirds of the survey participants report that using a rating system like LEED allows them to create a better performing building, and more than half of respondents believe that rating systems provide third party verification that ensures buildings are running in a sustainable manner.
As green building becomes more common, certification becomes more of an expectation in many markets. While client demands and environmental regulations remain top motivators, creating healthier buildings emerged as an important trigger for green building globally. According to the study, improving occupant health ranks first among social drivers for green building, followed by encouraging sustainable business practices and improved worker productivity. The growing importance of occupant health reinforces a recent USGBC survey that found employees working in LEED-certified green buildings were happier, healthier and more productive than those in non-certified or conventional office buildings.
When it comes to benefits, most participants cite occupant health and wellbeing in addition to lower operating costs. As the green building movement has grown, the savings associated with lowering operating costs continues to be a top benefit for owners. Nearly two-thirds of respondents expect to see building operating costs decrease by at least 6 percent within the next 12 months, while more than 80 percent expect this same rate of return in the next five years. As lowering operating costs and occupant health become more widely known and accepted, the value of green buildings increases as well. The percentage of owners reporting that new green buildings have an asset value of more than 10 percent greater than traditional buildings has nearly doubled since 2012. In addition, most architects and contractors recognize that building green creates a higher asset value.
New commercial construction remains the biggest driver of global green building by far, notably in markets like China and the UAE. However, more than 50 percent of respondents from five countries (including the U.S.) say green retrofits are in the pipeline, compared to a 37 percent global average – suggesting that existing buildings and operational benchmarking will provide significant opportunities for growth.
“The future of green building is focused on performance, but as the study shows, most of the time this practice can be limited in scope,” says Ramanujam. “There has been no increase in the use of metrics to track performance in the last three years, and now there is no excuse for it. It is not enough to demonstrate leadership at a point in time. We want all green buildings to continue to demonstrate leadership long after they are constructed and occupied. That is why USGBC has been laser-focused on bringing building performance benchmarking tools like Arc and LEED v4.1 to market: to make it easier for all projects to take strides toward improving the health and well-being of the people who occupy them every day.”
In 2016, Green Business Certification, Inc. (GBCI), the certifying body for LEED projects globally, created Arc, a digital performance platform that benchmarks, tracks and measures building activity across energy, waste, water, transportation and the human experience. Currently, Arc is tracking performance for 1.5 billion square feet of space across 80 countries. The emergence of tools like Arc underscores the growing importance technology is playing in green building, particularly when it comes to understanding energy performance and occupant impact.
Additionally, the recent launch of LEED v4.1 offers projects yet another way to continue to drive performance on the path toward LEED certification. Today, there are more than 94,000 commercial projects participating in LEED across the globe, with 2.2 million square feet of building space becoming LEED-certified every day.
The study was conducted in 86 countries and surveyed 2,000 building professionals including architects, contractors, consultants, developers, engineering firms and investors. Adjustments to the methodology for respondent recruitment resulted in a more balanced share of participants who belong to Green Building Councils, compared to previous years.
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About the U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, an international network of local community leaders, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Contact: Marisa Long, USGBC 202-552-1500 mlong@usgbc.org
Nearly Half of Survey Respondents Expect to Make 60% of their Projects Green in Next 3 Years.
2,000 building professionals participated from 86 countries.
NEW YORK – November 13, 2018 – The findings from the preeminent study on green buildings have been released and the results are both surprising and encouraging. Forty-seven percent of those participating in the World Green Building Trends 2018 SmartMarket Report expect to do the majority of their projects (more than 60%) green by 2021. Published today by Dodge Data & Analytics, the new industry report indicates that the international market for green construction projects has grown significantly in the last 10 years and demand for green building activity is poised to grow – to even double in some regions. In fact, the report found a 20 point projected jump from those who currently report a majority of green projects.
“As the world’s largest provider of building technologies, we’ve seen the shift toward more efficient, sustainable buildings,” says Chris Nelson, President, Commercial HVAC for Carrier, premier sponsor of the study. “The fact is, green buildings provide a triple win – delivering measurable benefits for building owners, occupants and the public from reduced operating costs, improved indoor air quality and reduced energy consumption. The trends uncovered in this report reflect what we’re seeing in our business – building green is good for the public health, the environment, and the bottom line.”
Nineteen countries are featured in the report, spanning six continents, and substantial growth in the percentage doing the majority of their projects green is expected in each. “Enthusiasm for green building is clear in all major markets measured, and that is driven by the business benefits they receive, which have stayed consistent since 2012,” says Donna Laquidara-Carr, Ph.D., LEED AP, Industry Insights Research Director with Dodge Data & Analytics. “These benefits include eight percent operating cost savings in the first year and increased building asset values of seven percent for new green buildings, which are clearly influencing all those who do green building to deepen their engagement with green.”
Similar benefits were reported for green building retrofits and renovations. “Retrofitting buildings is critical to meeting our carbon-neutral goals,” said American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2018 President Carl Elefante. “This data shows that not only is it good for our planet, but it can also mean an operating cost savings of almost ten percent in the first few years. While that may serve some motivational value, greater incentives and improved policies are necessary in the United States and beyond to make the meaningful building retrofits that we need a reality.”
The report also found that the biggest challenge to increased green building – the perception that it costs more than traditional construction – declined dramatically from over three-quarters in 2012 to under half today.
Another noteworthy highlight is that many respondents plan to build green in the next three years without seeking certification. However, over two thirds of study participants using certification find that doing so allows them to create better performing buildings; a finding echoed by other studies.
Healthier buildings also emerged as a top green priority in the study. For example, the top social drivers for green buildings included improved occupant health and well-being and increased worker productivity. Other social impacts becoming increasingly important include creating a sense of community and supporting the domestic economy. “The study, supported by our Green Building Councils in five regions, demonstrates that green building is seen by the industry as a key business benefit. Additionally, around the world, green building is considered to have an impact beyond significant environmental benefits, such as increased employee productivity and satisfaction,” says Terri Wills, CEO of the World Green Building Council.
The report also features a special section on green technology, including the insights of nine subject matter experts on the technologies currently improving building performance and what they believe will be most influential in the near future. “As the industry continues to embrace technology, our customers are taking advantage of automated workflows that put real-time data at the center of each project and allow teams to collaborate during all stages.” said Lynelle Cameron, VP, Sustainability, Autodesk & CEO Autodesk Foundation. “Energy analysis tools and generative design also allow designers to use data to create better options.”
Participants included over 2,000 architects, engineers, contractors, owners, specialists/consultants and investors from 86 countries. The report aims to analyze the level of green activity, the impact of green building practices on business operations, the triggers most likely to spur further green market growth and the challenges that may impede it. Dodge Data & Analytics produced the study in partnership with Carrier, with major support by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Autodesk*, additional support from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and participation as a premier research partner by the World Green Building Council.
For more information on the overall findings, or the specific findings in Australia, China, Europe, India, Middle East/North Africa, North America, South Africa, South America/Central America/Caribbean and Southeast Asia, download the free report at https://www.construction.com/toolkit/reports/world-green-building-trends-2018.
About Dodge Data & Analytics: Dodge Data & Analytics is North America’s leading provider of analytics and software-based workflow integration solutions for the construction industry. Building product manufacturers, architects, engineers, contractors, and service providers leverage Dodge to identify and pursue unseen growth opportunities and execute on those opportunities for enhanced business performance. Whether it’s on a local, regional or national level, Dodge makes the hidden obvious, empowering its clients to better understand their markets, uncover key relationships, size growth opportunities, and pursue those opportunities with success. The company’s construction project information is the most comprehensive and verified in the industry. Dodge is leveraging its 100-year-old legacy of continuous innovation to help the industry meet the building challenges of the future. To learn more, visit www.construction.com.
Media Contact Nicole Sullivan | AFFECT Public Relations & Social Media |
+1-212-3989680, nsullivan@affectstrategies.com
Groundbreaking model for building codes helps municipalities save money, protect resources and increase the resilience, safety, and standards of living for communities across the globe
WASHINGTON, D.C. – (Nov. 8, 2018) – The 2018 International Green Construction Code (2018-IgCC) was released today by the U.S. Green Building Council(USGBC), International Code Council, ASHRAE and the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). The IgCC is a model code that has wide applicability for incorporating resilient, high-performance green building strategies into building codes to improve the standards of living for people in communities across the globe.
“Our hope is that building professionals and policymakers alike adopt better, greener building strategies that help them better implement LEED and achieve higher performance in sustainability,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president, and CEO, USGBC.
“Over the last several decades, market leaders have adopted LEED and achieved higher levels of building performance and sustainability in the face of increasing global challenges,” added Ramanujam. “USGBC has led the development of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system, an unrivaled standard of living critical to providing a better quality of life for millions of people around the world. And with the 2018-IgCC, we are helping people build upon that work, as well as on the universal truth that every human being deserves to live in spaces that foster longer, healthier lives.”
When pursuing LEED certification in jurisdictions that adopt the IgCC green code, USGBC will allow project teams to be recognized in LEED for their compliance to select IgCC measures.
The 2018-IgCC update accomplishes two important tasks: 1. It will help governments streamline code development and adoption; and 2. It will improve building industry standardization by integrating two previously separate guidance documents: ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES 189.1 – Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low Rise Residential Buildings, and the Code Council’s multi-stakeholder International Green Construction Code.
The 2018-IgCC combines the technical requirements developed by the ASHRAE Standard 189.1 with the model code administrative provisions by the Code Council. As a result, the 2018-IgCC is now a unified code that emphasizes adoption, ease of use and enforcement for building projects.
“The 2018-IgCC leverages ASHRAE’s technical expertise to offer a comprehensive tool that has a direct effect on how green building strategies are implemented,” said Sheila J. Hayter, 2018-2019 ASHRAE President. “Improving energy efficiency, building performance and indoor air quality are at the core of ASHRAE’s mission and we are encouraged by the impact of this landmark model towards realizing more a sustainable future for us all.”
“Building safety codes help our communities prepare for the future,” said Dominic Sims, CEO, International Code Council. “Taking into account the latest technologies and cost-effective strategies for dealing with resource scarcity, the IgCC helps cities, states and countries build stronger, smarter, sustainably and more resiliently.”
The IgCC is a part of the Code Council’s suite of comprehensive, coordinated and contemporary model codes – including the International Building Code, International Existing Building Code, International Energy Conservation Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, and International Fire Code – and is suitable for use in building codes around the world. Many jurisdictions in the U.S. and abroad incorporate the International Codes in their building design and compliance processes to construct safe, sustainable and affordable structures.
Visit the new green building codes web page for all the latest information.
Contact:
Amanda Sawit, USGBC
202-609-7155
asawit@usgbc.org
As more and more people in South Florida are using the PACE program to retrofit their property and make it more efficient and sustainable, one of the most frequent questions I get asked all the time is how do they really know if value of their property will increase with the new transformation?
That is a very important and fair question if you want to differentiate the Green value of your property from the standard competition. Unfortunately, because Green homes are relatively new to the South Florida market and comparable homes are difficult to find, energy efficiency upgrades may be overlooked in the appraisal process for a variety of reasons, including a lack of access to quality data and appraiser qualifications. Only small number of appraisers are aware of the unique features of Green building, zero energy or high-performance homes and understand the added value of energy- efficiency upgrades and “Green” implementations.
According to the Appraisal Journal, the market value of a home increases by $10.00 – $25.00 for every $1 decrease in energy bill. To ensure that the appraiser takes the home’s upgrades into account, the property owner should clearly identify the property as a special property type, which requires an appraiser qualified in the valuation of energy efficient, high-performing home. Also, The Federal Housing Administration, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, require appraisers to consider the energy efficient improvements of the homes.
To standardize the communication of the high performing features of residential properties, the Appraisal Institute has developed the Residential Green and Energy Efficient Addendum. The Appraisal Institute’s Green Addendum is the first residential green and energy efficient appraisal report addendum developed by appraisers, for use by appraisers.
Builders, contractors with knowledge in green building and third-party verifiers are encouraged to complete this Addendum and present to appraisers, agents, lenders, and homeowners.
The Residential Green and Energy Efficient Addendum also educates about what is green building and how it applies to all the phases from design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction. Also, highlight the six elements found in green building that must be considered, including (1) site, (2) water, (3) energy, (4) materials, (5) indoor environmental quality, and (6) maintenance and operation. The energy efficiency and water conservation are the most measurable elements of green or high-performance housing.
The following verified improvements are considered within the appraisal analysis of the subject property for an increase value:
- Green Certifications: such as LEED, FGBC, EnergyStar, Zero energy homes, Indoor airPlus, WaterSense, Living Building Challenge.
- Energy Label: from approved sources, such as Department of Energy (DOE) and Home energy score RESNET’s HERS rating.
- Verified Improvements: specifically, those that have documented cost information available. Energy efficient improvements including: Low E windows, insulation, Day lighting, Energy Star appliances, water heater, high efficient air conditioning, programmable thermostat. Indoor environmental quality improvements like nontoxic pest control, humidity monitoring device installed and water efficiency improvements including grey-water reuse system, water saving fixtures, rain barrels.
- Solar Photovoltaic System: including the panel specifications, inverter, battery storage capabilities, and array information.
- Solar Thermal Water Heating System: including type of system, collector type, backup system.
- Location –Site:additional considerations in the appraisal analysis apply to walk score, public transportation proximity and site benefits, such house orientation and water efficient landscaping.
Before you make the decision on your next retrofit project be smart and get informed about the strategies and implementations that will increase more your property value. For more information on the best retrofit and how to do it with 0 Down-payment and 100% finance, please, send us an email to: info@HHDCgreen.com
By: Maria M. Hernandez
LEED AP ID+C, Building Analyst,
CGC#1515897
Ciudad Weston Nwspaper
Did you know that, people spend 90% of their time inside a building? If we add together all the hours we spent sleeping, working in offices or at school people on average spend the vast majority of their time inside a building where they are constantly exposed to indoor air pollutants. The US Environmental Protection Agency, estimates that the average person receives 72 percent of their chemical exposure at home, which means that special place that you consider the safest has the great potential of hazards for your health. In fact, indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted – and in some cases 100 times more polluted – than outdoor air.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, residential (21%) and commercial buildings (18%) account for almost 39% of total U.S. energy consumption and 38% of U.S. carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Nearly all of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the residential and commercial sectors can be attributed to energy use in buildings. All of these outdated buildings across the nation represents a great potential hazard for our health and the one with a bigger impact in your life is your own home.
Did you know that the four leading causes of death in the United State: cancer, chronic respiratory disease, heart disease and stroke are caused by pollutants from fossil fuel?
Studies had demonstrated that these pollutants damage all the major organ systems in the body. One of the serious respiratory health problems is lung cancer killing more men and women in the US than any other form of cancer; COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), the third leading cause of death in the country.
Pollutants from fossil fuel are also responsible for coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death in the country. Pollutants released by burning coal target the nervous system, particularly the brain, leading to serious neurological consequences.
Living in a home with moisture/dampness, mold, pests (cockroaches or mice), cold or inconsistent temperatures, environmental tobacco smoke, or indoor air pollutants can increase the risks of asthma attacks, wheezing, and other respiratory problems. Exposure inside your home to extreme heat, cold, carbon monoxide (CO) or fires can result in death. CO exposures can also create headaches, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, confusion, or “flu-like” symptoms.
Also, burning fossil fuels release enormous quantities of carbon dioxide and methane the main cause of climate change which leads to extreme weather events that can severely affect health. Fortunately, a reduction in our dependency on fossil fuels by shifting to renewable energy and the improvement on energy efficiency in all the buildings across the nation will allow dramatic improvements to human health. Let’s be part of the solution by transforming your own homes.
By retrofitting your home and lowering the amount of energy you waste we will reduce the need to burn coal and other fossil fuels to generate electricity which will translate in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions or air pollution and a huge gain for our health. Let me give you some examples: if just one in ten households nationwide replaces their old heating and cooling system for a high efficient equipment, it would prevent the release of more than 17 billion pounds of greenhouse gases. Also, if every household in the United State replaced just one incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent bulb, it would prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking more than 800,000 cars off the streets.
Making your home more energy efficient, goes beyond that just saving you money, increasing your property value or helping the local economy; It will improve the quality of indoor air in your home and as consequence will improve your health and the ones you love.
An efficient home will reduce the energy waste and the exposure to air pollutants, asbestos, lead, radon, formaldehyde among other potential hazards for your health. By installing and efficient HVAC system or new high efficient windows will reduce the air pollutants exposure and will improve air temperature reducing the risk of respiratory health problems and coronary disease.
Your home is the place where you spend most of the time, making it healthy is a priority. Now with the PACE program, it is easy to make it more energy efficient and improve the safety, because you can make all the necessary upgrades now with O down payment and 100% financing with the first payment in one year. For more information on how to improve your property or how to apply for the PACE program, please, send us an email to floridaleedap@gmail.com. We go beyond building codes to improve the health of people and protect the planet.
By: Maria M. Hernandez, CGC #1515987 – LEED AP- Building Analyst- PACE certified
Ciudad Weston Newspaper
Welcome to Spring!
This is a perfect time to implement preventive measures to your home, to keep it safe and well maintained throughout the year. Now, with the PACE program, it is easy to replace the old leaky roof, unsafe old windows or the inefficient air condition. The PACE program, will allow you to do these projects in your property with 0 down payment, 100% finance with no payments for over a year. In some cases, the payment is offset by the savings produced by the new technology.
In my article, I will emphasize some mitigation and retrofit projects that will protect your life, your assets and will offer you savings while protecting the environment. So, let’s get into our home transformation mode to be ready for the season:
OLD ROOF RETROFIT: With the rainy and hurricane season around the corner, replacing that old leaky roof is a must. You will improve safety, protect your property from water damage and structural compromise. When re-roofing, it is important to consider other upgrades like adding a second water barrier that will offer more protection and more discount in your insurance premium. Also, this is the moment to strengthen the roof deck attachment and install hurricane straps which can help keep a home’s roof from blowing off.
Your best investment will be in the installation of a high reflectance or cool roof, because it will reflect sunlight and heat away from a building reducing up to 15% of annual air conditioning energy cost. This will reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions improving human health.
Another implementation when installing a new roof could be the installation of day-lighting systems to bring natural lighting in dark rooms to save energy. Also, consider the installation of a solar attic fan to reduce the heat and humidity from your attic to reduce energy consumption and to create a healthier indoor. With this solar system, you will earn 30% tax credit.
OLD WINDOWS AND DOORS: This is a high-ticket item, but with the PACE program you can install your new hurricane impact windows and doors now with zero down payment. Keeping your love ones and your property safe during hurricane season can’t wait. The best option replacing a conventional single pane window is to invest in the high-performance windows. By installing Energy Star windows and doors, you will have a better protection and will shrink energy bill and carbon footprint at the same time. With this investment in your property, you will save in energy bill, property insurance and you will save pounds of CO2 reducing your carbon footprint. These windows are the best investment to increase your property value.
NOISY AND INEFFICIENT AIR CONDITIONING: Sumer temperatures are just around the corner and if you still have an old system, your best defense will be to install a high efficient central air-conditioning, also, financed with the PACE program. By replacing an old 10 SEER AC unit with a high efficient 16 SEER AC (3 Ton air conditioning), you will save around 40% ($600) in energy bill yearly, also you will reduce your carbon footprint.
By implementing all these retrofits to your property, you will be ready for the season to offer the best protection to your loved ones and your asset while reducing your energy bill, maintenance cost and insurance premium. The moment is now, take advantage of the PACE program!
As a PACE certified contractor, I have witnessed the great benefits behind this excellent program; residential and commercial building owners are been able to transform their properties up to the latest codes, making it more resilient while reducing their properties insurance cost and increasing property value
From my Green building, professional experience, I have witnessed the “Green” side of this program, not just because the homeowner is saving money but because they are reducing their carbon footprint. One of the easiest ways to fight climate change is to start in our own homes by transforming our properties and making it more energy efficient. The results will produce a positive impact with triple bottom line: Economy, People and Planet, reducing pollution, creating healthier environments while growing the economy.
I believe the PACE program is more than just a financial tool to help property owners; it is the pathway for buildings transformation across the Nation and the accelerator that will unleash the power of renewable energy in the SUNSHINE State.
For more information about the program or to retrofit your property with the PACE program, please, send an email to: Floridaleedap@gmail.com H & H Design and Construction.
By: Maria M. Hernandez, CGC #1515987 – LEED AP- Building Analyst- PACE certified
Ciudad Weston Newspaper
“My concern about Climate Change and Sea level rise”
Dear Mayors:
Climate change is a pronounced environmental challenge that threatens us all equally, so I consider it of great importance, not only to read your open letter sent to Senator Marco Rubio dated January 21, 2016, but also to express my comments. In this letter, you expressed your concerned about Climate Change and Sea Level rise in South Florida and you call Senator Marco Rubio to acknowledge the problem and articulate a Climate action plan. As a Floridian, I share your concerned and I support your vision: I believe urgent actions have to be taken in order to mitigate the effects of Climate Change to protect the future of South Florida.
I agree with you, the next president of the United States must acknowledge the reality and urgency of climate change. Not only to propose solutions, but to project the US in a leading position on the new low carbon global economy of the 21st century. However, 2016 is a Presidential Election year, which means interest groups are constantly looking for and using any and all weaknesses to disqualify candidates. My concern, then, is that you are using an incredibly important issue as a political wedge – seeking to divide, rather than unite. Climate Change can’t afford to wait for a new President, the time is now; the solution is in your hands as community leaders to create awareness and also in the desire of each of his residents to provide solutions.
Combating climate change must be more than just a political buzzword; it is a global issue that requires an aggressive campaign to inform the public about the potential devastating consequences. There is no point having a Climate Action plan in our cities, or a policy of low carbon or participate in the COP21 meeting and sign a global treaty to keep global temperatures levels below 2° Celsius, if we are not first educating why such steps are necessary. The risk associated with energy waste, the terrible consequences of lack of recycling, the need to conserve water and the urgency about reducing our carbon footprint. The issue of climate change goes beyond a political issue; it is a problem that lies in the lack of awareness in our communities, schools and our own homes.
Allow me to take a moment to introduce myself, my name is Maria Mercedes Hernandez; my experience as a disaster inspector in NJ during the aftermath of Sandy awakened in me the interest to understand and find solutions to the problems of buildings destruction caused by severe weather events. At the same time to recognized the importance of creating awareness and educating homeowners about sustainable and resilient construction to mitigate the effects of climate change. This urgency to find solutions made me get my certification as a professional in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED AP ID + C) which allows me to understand problems related to the standard construction and the real and hidden value of efficient buildings.
Consider the following: 72% of buildings in the United States have been built inefficiently, without taking into account the relationship between energy use and environmental impact. 40% of total energy consumption in the US is consumed by residential and commercial buildings, which produces a lot of greenhouse gases (main contributor for climate change and in turn the rise in sea levels). As certified general contractor in Florida and LEED AP I’ve found lack of information in our communities, on the importance of implementation of energy efficiency, conservation or fortification in the properties to be a direct cause to inaction. The lack of information on programs that help its implementation such as the PACE program, among others, continues to be dismissed. This issue represents many challenges, but also a great opportunity for the State of Florida in their fight to mitigate climate change.
Humbly, I asked all of you to continue to encourage Senator Rubio & others running for President of the United States about the urgency of Climate Change, but beyond that I think it is necessary and proper for all of you Mayors to push the issue at a local level. Through information we can achieve greatness. Start the conversation about a PACE program in your city; create educational forums in libraries about property retrofit and sustainable construction as a solution to climate change, also, inform about tax credit, incentives, and financing available for implementation. Encourage citizens to support Floridians for Solar Choice; demand an end to fracking in the Everglades. Become certified as a STAR community, to lead in sustainability. Let’s start from the ground up with the people.
I congratulate some cities Mayors, who have taken this challenge of Climate Change as priority, but there are still other cities that have been left behind without seeing the need for urgency. The future of our state will be at risk until all the cities in Florida, support a Climate action plan and informed its residents about it.
It is my wish to see the State of Florida leading as the first state in solar energy nationwide with more buildings and schools certified LEED, with the highest recycling rate in the nation, as a state with the lowest carbon footprint and better quality of life. A leader in sustainability is not due to government policy but by the desire and the participation of each of its inhabitants to assume the challenge implementing solutions for a better life.
Sincerely,
Maria M. Hernandez
Florida resident.
Maria M. Hernandez
Florida resident.
Ciudad Weston Newspaper
Let me introduce you to the Millennials:
The Millennial generation, or Echo Boomers, is those born between 1980 and 1998. They represent anywhere between 70 and 95 million U.S. consumers. Described as educated, diverse, creative, technologically advanced, connected and open to change, they are the first generation to grow up with the Internet and other forms of digital media, they are probably the most educated generation in the United States’ history. Going through so many challenges: underpaid salaries, uncertainty in the job market, massive amount of student loans caused them to delay their marriage, families and home-ownership, but also, it defines their character to pursue the American Dream.
Millennials and the Housing Market:
Millennials are labeled as the next generation to turn around the housing market with their unique style and high-tech preferences. They will account for an astounding 75-80% of owner-occupied housing sales by people under the age of 65 before the year 2020. According to Dr. Stan Humphries, Zillow chief economist, by the end of 2015, millennials became the largest home-buying age group transforming the real estate market.
Millennials Ideal Homes:
The most significant factors for this generation in the selection of a new home are the following:
- Sustainable Communities: they will be looking for resilient, healthier and walk-able communities that will offer them everything: connectivity, workplace proximity, access to public transportation, safety, centers of entertainment and outdoor life. They want to a live a more conscious lifestyle, no worrying about transportation costs & commute time.
- Green Building: Millennials will prefer green building and homes that use sustainable practices, smart technologies and recycled materials. 20% under the age of 34 will choose green alternatives regardless of cost. They will be attracted by LEED or FGBC certified homes.
- Energy Efficient: a substantial 84% of them have strong preference for energy efficiency technology. The three most popular home features are: energy efficient appliances, security systems, and smart thermostats. Another energy savings options will include low-e windows, additional insulation, smart lighting, and home energy monitor. Also, homes certified under the programs Energy Star and ZERO energy will be demand.
- Smart Technology: a very important feature for them. They want smart home technology for comfort, safety and also, because of the money-saving potential, such as an automated climate control, remote home monitoring, lighting control systems and key-less entry doors. Remember, they live and breathe technology!
- Functional Space: they will look for “essential homes” smaller and more adaptive than conventional houses, thoughtful modern designs that maximize space and functionality.
To take advantage of the booming housing market, we must learn to meet the desires of this unique, clever and demanding Eco-conscious generation. Therefore, builders and contractors must rise to the challenge; parents of Millennials selling, should retrofit its conventional and inefficient dwellings; realtors and brokers, should familiarize themselves with the GREEN MLS, the EEM (Energy Efficient Mortgages) and certification programs such as LEED, Energy Star, FL Water Star, Indoor airPLUS, FGBC, Zero Energy Home Ready, to be at the forefront and to be able to identify smart implementations of a market that has already begun its transformation. Education is the key to conquer the change. For corporate education, individual consulting or implementation of green and efficient technologies in new or existing homes, please send an email: floridaleedap@gmail.com
By: Maria M Hernandez, LEED AP
Ciudad Weston Newspaper
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