Rents in LEED-certified or “green” buildings may be higher than conventional rates. However, higher rents are likely to be offset by lower operating costs, as well as higher productivity and return on investment.
If you are attempting any of the paths of Option 2, the environmental features need to be in place at the time of building selection, or at least by the time your CI project submits this credit.
If your project is not locating in a LEED-certified building, guide your real estate broker to include the 12 environmental criteria of Option 2 in the search for your base building. (Refer to the questionnaire available from the Documentation Toolkit.)
Careful building selection is crucial for following this option. Real estate brokers and leasing agents can help you identify buildings that are either LEED certified, or that have implemented green strategies with quantifiable results. The most straightforward wayto earn the maximum number of points, and to document this credit, is to locate your tenant space in a LEED-certified building. Consult the USGBC’s database of LEED-certified buildings while looking at your options. USGBC local chapters may also provide useful information. (See Resources.)
For either option, this credit largely awards building selection. You can earn points here for tenant improvements (under Option 2), but it’s far easier and more cost-effective to start with a building that already achieves the credit, whether by being LEED-certified or having green features.
Consider meeting as a project team during the pre-lease phase of your project to discuss the best site options for the tenant space, targeting green buildings if possible. Real estate brokers and leasing agents can help you identify buildings that are either LEED-certified, or that have implemented green strategies.
If you develop in an urban or infill area on previously developed land, you will already have access to public utilities and may be near public transit. This can help your budget and offer a valuable amenity to building occupants.
For either option, this credit largely awards building selection. You can earn points here for tenant improvements (under Option 2), but it’s far easier and more cost-effective to start with a building that already achieves the credit, whether by being LEED-certified or having green features.