Jodi Summers = Green Real Estate

THE TALLEST GREEN BUILDING IN THE WEST IS BEING BUILT IN LOS ANGELES

May 16, 2013 on 9:30 pm | In all, Green Building, Reasons to Love L.A., Uncategorized | 1 Comment

by Jodi Summers

It’s bigger in Los Angeles, thanks to the construction of the tallest office building west of Chicago, and it will adhere to L.A.’s strict green construction standards. It was recently announced that the 73-story Wilshire Grand hotel and office building to be constructed in downtown Los Angeles. The $1-billion hotel and office skyscraper by developer Korean Airlines will live at Wilshire Boulevard and Figueroa Street. It will be a dramatic addition to the city skyline when it completed in 2017.

The Los Angeles Green Building ordinance has been heralded as “the most far reaching plan of any big city in America to promote green building practices in the private sector.”

L.A. is on track to reduce the city’s carbon emissions 35% below 1990 levels by 2030. Our goal is the greatest reduction target of any large US city. It takes the state’s stringent CalGreen building codes a step further.

The Wilshire Grand is designed by L.A.-based architect David Martin, a principal at AC Martin Partners. The 1,100-foot, glass-skin building will feature three floors of shops and restaurants at ground level, 400,000 square feet of office space, and a hotel with a “sky lobby” on the 70th floor. Guests will rise by high-speed elevators for check-in to one of the hotel’s 900 rooms. A restaurant will take over the 71st floor, and on the top floor, there will be an “infinity” pool and recreation area. The hotel brand has yet to be selected.

Martin designed the Figueroa-at-Wilshire high-rise across the street from the Wilshire Grand in 1990. The family firm was the primary architect of Los Angles City Hall in the 1920s.

The property is located just north of the STAPLES Center and The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE, the luxury residential tower where residents enjoy access to the five-star lifestyle services of The Ritz-Carlton.

The 936-room Wilshire Grand, built in 1952, was originally known as Hotel Statler and later a Hilton. Before it closed at the end of 2011, the property was a mid-market hotel catering to conventioneers and tour groups from overseas.

The new building will be far larger and greener.

Politically, the Wilshire Grand will be a symbol of South Korea’s growing status as a global economic powerhouse.

Korean Air is the flagship company for Hanjin Group, which has $20 billion in annual revenue from its interests in land, sea and air transportation as well as construction, heavy industry, finance and formation services.

The new Wilshire Grand is an investment that makes sense and we are excited to continue our relationship with this great city,” Korean Air Chairman Y.H. Cho said in the L.A. Times.

The Wilshire Grand will slightly surpass in height the 72-story U.S. Bank Tower on Bunker Hill that has held the title of tallest west of Chicago since 1989.

http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-downtown-skyscraper-20130207,0,295662.story

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http://www.theagencyre.com/2013/02/west-coasts-tallest-building-to-be-built-in-downtown-l-a/

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NEW INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT GREENS FIRST

May 5, 2013 on 12:02 am | In all, Green Building, LEED, Trends, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

by Jodi Summers

Research and statistics show that Energy Star and LEED-certified buildings can attract higher rents and generate increased demand from tenants < and that a green property can garner a better lease rates and higher sales price. But the bottom line has been so shaky lately, that green hasn’t really gotten very far in industrial real estate.

Going forward we will see change. New projects follow CalGreen codes, but spec development is basically being built to an absolute minimum and then individual owners grow it from there.

Prologis is leading one of the more proactive environmentally friendly construction campaigns. The logistics company has embraced LEED—not just building to the standard, but having LEED-certified construction managers who know how to work the paperwork a little more efficiently.

“Calgreen holds you to that standard anyway, “so a few extra bucks thrown at it will get you the certification,” shares a Prologis southwest region president.

With the older, Class-B buildings, it’s tough to go LEED without the tenants’ cooperation because tenant improvement are put toward more specific needs. LEED cert is near the bottom of the hierarchy of true needs but definitely on the radar screens, but most tenants are not willing to pay more to get it @ this point in time.

LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficiency and Design) is the benchmark international certification system which offers bronze, silver, gold, and platinum certification levels. Statewide we have the CalGreen Code, which is more like everytown’s way of going green.

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THE OFFICE OF THE FUTURE IS SO GREEN

April 16, 2013 on 8:51 pm | In Green Building, Green Workplace, Net Zero, Solutions, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

by Jodi Summers

Corner offices and cubicles are so last century… The new millennium workspace is versatile and green, with options for focused, individual work, telecommuting and is fully equipped to support collaborative groups, team projects and social interaction.

NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, recently held an Office Building of the Future design competition. The winning designers identified several common themes that could drive changes in how we “office” in the future. The biggest driver for change is technology. Personal technology which has untethered workers from by providing the capability of completing service and information-based tasks from wherever they choose…no longer necessitating that they commute to an office. In our green future, an individual with a laptop can work from home, or at a wi-fi equipped location, or any variety of locations along the road.

Green gets brighter. The office building of the future will be more affordable to build and operate, thanks to advances and cost reductions in construction materials and systems. Sustainability will become financially viable. Net-zero buildings will meet the demands of tenants as well as the improved building performance sought by building owners and developers.

Diversity and flexibility is key. The company of the future doesn’t have one grand office rather they have several smaller hub locations, efficiently located closer to their workforce and rapid transit.

“Office design is changing rapidly and our industry needs to position itself ahead of the curve,” offers Thomas J. Bisacquino, NAIOP president and chief executive officer. “This unique competition opened the door to thinking about what an ‘office’ may look like in the very near future.”

http://www.naiop.org/en/About-NAIOP/News/NAIOP-News/2012/091812-NAIOP-Inaugural-Office-Building-of-the-Future-Design-Competition.aspx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRv46VioM-Y

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http://www.costar.com/News/Article/Mixed-Use-20-The-Office-Building-of-the-Future/143317?ref=100&iid=306&cid=383F14EEE265B182474DA2442BACBBBF

WAYS TO FINANCE A GREENER HOME

April 6, 2013 on 10:22 am | In Green Cities, Money, Solutions, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

guest post by Jonah Trenton – refinancemortgagerates.com

Financing a greener home allows homeowners to reap endless benefits.

Energy-efficient homes increase in value and provide homeowners lower utility bills in the future. At present, people involved in home building and renovation are finding new ways of reducing the use of natural resources. Green design alone is not enough to build or renovate a home. However, financing a greener home requires spending money. This is why there are programs designed for homeowners to incorporate technology to save on energy and bills. Homeowners can also consider refinancing to save the monthly funds needed for green upgrades.

Southern California is one place where the weather can be hot during summer months. Homeowners will need to use air-conditioner to experience comfortable cooling. However, some cooling equipment can take their toll on the homeowner’s utility bills. This is why part of remodeling homes should include choosing cooling equipment that allows big savings. With energy-efficient air conditioners, people can save up to 10 percent of total energy costs.

Southern California also has high water pressure that can result in large water bills. When low flow fixtures are installed, water consumption can be reduced between 50 and 70 percent. The device for low flow fixtures cost around $8.

Programs That Can Finance a Greener Home

• Federal Housing Authority Loans

Federal Housing Authority loans are intended for properties on the market that require repairs or renovation. Lenders see these properties as risky. When homeowners decide to convert properties into greener homes, the repair cost is financed into the loan. A down payment of 3.5 percent is required. This is based on the total purchase price and the cost of repairs. The amount of money that borrowers will receive is based on the property’s as-is value. This still does not include the costs of repairs. Lenders can finance up to $35,000 to cover the renovation costs when borrowers choose a streamlined mortgage. It is important that specific requirements such as energy efficiency standards are met.

• The Energy Star Mortgage Program

Homeowners who want to consider greener homes may also seek financial assistance from the Energy Star program. They evaluate energy usage in electronics, heating and cooling products and building materials. They also offer lower cost loans for new homes. Homeowners who want energy efficient renovations can also rely on the program. It is important for borrowers to complete an energy audit to qualify for the program. A twenty percent reduction in energy usage is required for existing homes.

• Department of Housing and Urban Development Energy Efficient Mortgages

Homeowners can reduce the costs for energy efficiency upgrades when they choose to borrow from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

They provide refinanced and new mortgages, and the program is available in all 50 states.

Next Post, energy efficient home renovations

http://www.refinancemortgagerates.com

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THE PORT OF LONG BEACH IS GREEN WHILE MOVING MILLIONS OF TONS OF CARGO

April 6, 2013 on 9:22 am | In Act Locally, all, Green Building, Green Workplace, Greenhouse Gas, LEED, Solutions, Uncategorized | No Comments

by Jodi Summers

The Port of Long Beach is blue and green. The water is blue. The port is green, as they have implemented an exemplary green port policy to try and maintain the environment while they are shipping freight around the world.

The Green Port Policy is an aggressive, comprehensive and coordinated approach to reduce the negative impacts of Port operations. Founded in 1911, the 3,200-acre Port of Long Beach is a premier gateway for trade between the United States and Asia. More than $140 billion worth of cargo moves through the Port every year – everything from clothing and furniture to machinery and petroleum. They try to be green while going through this process.

The Green Port Policy, adopted in 2005, serves as a guide for decision making and established a framework for environmentally friendly Port operations. The policy’s five guiding principles are:

Protect the community from harmful environmental impacts of Port operations.
Distinguish the Port as a leader in environmental stewardship and compliance.
Promote sustainability.
Employ best available technology to avoid or reduce environmental impacts.
Engage and educate the community.

The Green Port Policy directs the Port to integrate sustainable plans practices into Port development and operations by actively promoting an organizational culture of environmental enhancement, fiscal responsibility, and community integrity. Current areas of focus are outlined below…

Greenhouse Gases

California passed landmark greenhouse gas legislation, The Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32), in 2006. Although the state has yet to formalize greenhouse gas regulations for the port sector, the Port of Long Beach has already begun quantifying greenhouse gas emissions and formulating a plan for reductions. The Board of Harbor Engineers adopted a formal resolution establishing a framework for conducting business while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They have assembled a multi-divisional Renewable Energy Working Group that is currently evaluating Port lands for solar- and wind-power opportunities.

Plans include:

The Clean Air Action Plan and Sustainability

The Clean Air Action Plan, adopted by the Long Beach and Los Angeles ports in 2006, is guided by the three components of sustainability:

1. Environmental Responsibility

· Air quality improvements

· Energy/fuel efficiency improvements

· Advances new technologies

· Creates model for regulators and politicians

· Ecological health side benefits

2. Fiscal Responsibility

· Equitable distribution of financial burden

· Helps the Port maintain its “license to operate”

3. Social responsibility

· Human health risk reductions

· Includes stakeholders in decision making

· Creates jobs

· Process is transparent

· Protects integrity of workers

Examples of Sustainable Practices

The Green Port Integrating Committee’s working group has the task of integrating the Green Port Policy, including sustainability, into all operations.

The Engineering Bureau is in its second year of implementing an American Association of Port Authorities-guided Environmental Management System (EMS), which establishes sustainable storm water practices during construction projects.

The waste paper and container recycling program is conducted in partnership with the Conservation Corps Long Beach, a non-profit organization that educates and trains at-risk youth.

Landscaping projects are conducted in accordance with the Port’s Sustainable Landscape Palette which describes appropriate native and draught-tolerant species for our locale.

The pilot solar car port has been up and running for almost a year. This is the first step in the process that will maximize renewable energy through the Harbor District.

Green Building principles are incorporated into new building design through the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program.

Environmentally-preferable purchasing, for everything from pens to fleet vehicles, informs the way we buy. In the future, we’ll be paying even more attention to carbon footprints, especially with regard to building materials.

The Port of Long Beach is an incredible complex, moving around 115,000 TEUs – Twenty-foot equivalent unit) each month. It’s totally worth checking, if you get the chance.

http://www.polb.com/environment/sustainability/default.asp

http://www.polb.com/environment/green_port_policy/default.asp

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THE BIGGER GREEN PICTURE

April 6, 2013 on 8:19 am | In Act Locally, Green Building, Green Cities, Green Houses, Green Workplace, Greenhouse Gas, Net Zero, Reasons to Love L.A., Solutions, Trends, Uncategorized | No Comments

by Jodi Summers

California is an example of green construction. In 2008, state energy regulators adopted a long-term plan that called for having all new residential buildings achieve zero net energy use by 2020 and having all commercial buildings achieve zero net energy use by 2030. The provisions also reduce water use by 20% and divert 50% of construction waste from landfills.

The Los Angeles Green Building ordinance has been heralded as “the most far reaching plan of any big city in America to promote green building practices in the private sector.”

So going forward, we’re good, but we’re still dealing with an existing building stock, and some antiquated customs and equipment all the way around. Restructuring a structure’s infrastructure (say that 3x fast) is not an overnight process. We are sprinting toward net zero construction, yet large parts of the old-style building infrastructure will still dominate the landscape for the next century.

Any improvements and renovations made to your properties can impact the environment. Be conscious of your choices in paint and floor coverings. Anything you upgrade on your properties can be done with green in mind heating, plumbing, and electric all offer green fixes that can save the business money on the long term, and increase profitability on resale.

But some things are a slow fix…we may be building green buildings, but the machinery used to construct the property may not be. You’ve seen those backhoes and cranes bellowing black diesel carbon fumes. Around the shop, some old power tools use 3x the needed energy.

Construction equipment companies are catching on. JCB is aware of their duty to make their plant machinery more environmentally sound. For example, the Scot JCB Digger has numerous variations including the brand new 3CX-ECO with increased fuel efficiency in all aspects of its functionality.

Construction companies – particularly in Southern California – are up to speed on CalGreen construction, ICC codes, and other modern methods. Our fair county is an example of sound building, with cities like West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and Santa Monica offering some of the strictest green construction codes in the country, if not the world. And we’re setting an example for going forward. Today’s green apprentice may someday become the foremen of their own company, selling jobs and their bids.

Green building goes beyond the edifice, it includes the source of the raw materials, and the distance they travelled, the equipment that goes into the building and that goes into building the building. Society is progressing forward at warp speed, and we’re along for the ride. Let’s do our best to contribute to the greater good for now and for generations to come.