Newsletter

Major Renovations as an Investment Strategy

By: Charlie Popeck, President of Green Ideas

LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations, now referred to as Building Design and Construction, has most frequently been associated with new building construction. However, often overlooked in this category is the concept of "major renovations" and the positive impact that reusing a building can have on an owner's bottom line. From a sustainability perspective, the USGBC and many other experts in the field have long recognized that the existing building stock, with its existing embodied energy, should be "recycled" for reuse whenever possible. From a life-cycle perspective, existing buildings represent a significant block of energy that can be, and really should be recycled. Obviously, this is not always prudent or cost effective for the property owner and buildings are demolished and replaced by new ones more frequently than they should be.  READ MORE

With Greenbuild approaching on November 11-13, 2009, Green Ideas is fully involved in the preparation and implementation of the world's largest green building conference and expo. Our Principal, Mark Wilhelm, is Chair of the Greenbuild Host Committee. Green Ideas Marketing and Business Development Manager Jennifer Bongiovanni-Karas is part of the Welcome Committee and Educational Programs Manager Elizabeth Hyatt sits on the Community Education Subcommittee.

Have interest in attending Greenbuild in Phoenix this year? Click here to register today! For more information, view this video about the 9th annual event. Engage in the conversation we must have to bring green to everyone, and bring everyone to green.

June 12 - Launch of LEED AP Homes exam track

June 16 -  LEED-NC v2.2 exam study session at Green Ideas Office

June 18 - Green Associate Exam Prep Seminar in Phoenix

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION TO A SEMINAR

LEEDing Wisdom is a monthly feature resulting from research conducted by Green Ideas' Green Building Consultants while working on LEED projects.

Green building incentives are available in record numbers these days, but identifying and distinguishing the various rebates, grants, tax credits and other exemptions can become confusing. What incentives are available and who provides them? Where can information be found on available incentive programs? Is a tax exemption better than a tax credit? These questions are addressed in this month's LEEDing Wisdom by Green Building Consultant Andrew Soulier.  READ MORE