Chemical Industry Announces New Coalition

Last week, the American Chemistry Council announced the formation of the American High Performance Buildings Coalition (AHPBC). This organization is made up of 27 trade associations, including the Vinyl Institute, the Vinyl Siding Institute, and the Flexible Vinyl Alliance. The coalition has spoken out against the General Services Administration (GSA) using the LEED rating system, claiming that it is not a consensus-based system. From the AHPBC website, “American Manufacturers and Building Experts Speak Out Against GSA Green Building Review”.

For USGBC’s response, see “LEED Is Private, Voluntary, Transparent and Democratic”. Brendan Owens, VP for LEED Technical Development, commented, “LEED is developed in accordance with a rigorously inclusive process.  We have received more than 22,000 public comments and have responded to each individually. We work cooperatively with industries, and LEED standards are set in a consensus-driven, transparent manner led by technical experts in their fields.”

Green Enhances Value in California Homes

Contributed by Barry Hooper, San Francisco Department of the Environment

In the first rigorous independent economic analysis of the value of green home labels in California, University of California researchers have demonstrated green certified homes have 9% (+/-4%) greater value. The study by UC Berkeley economist Nils Kok and UCLA professor Matthew Kahn analyzed all single-family homes sales in California between 2007 and 2012.

Using a method called hedonic pricing, they examined the sales prices of all 1.6 million homes sold in the state over the past five years, of which approximately 4,300 were certified via ENERGY STAR, LEED for Homes, and GreenPoint Rated. Armed with the size, age, location, and amenities of each home, they were able to hold the factors that greatly influence home prices constant. Where the need for comparative sales data can make it a challenge for appraisers to systematically recognize the value of a green certification within a neighborhood, hedonic pricing essentially evaluated all “comps” statewide over the past 5 years.

Opportunities on the Road to Greenbuild

The 2012 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in San Francisco is expected to attract more than 35,000 attendees, making this year’s event the largest Greenbuild in history. Attendees from more than 120 countries will witness California's long-standing commitment to green building and ahead-of-the-curve thinking. You won't want to miss the following opportunities to highlight your business at the event:

Gain exposure:

    Sponsor a Greenbuild Tour
    Exhibit in the 500 Mile Pavilion at Greenbuild
    Join the California Best Buildings Challenge

Volunteer:

    Host Committee (All positions are currently filled)
    Volunteer at Greenbuild (Students or professionals 25 and under)

Scholarship Opportunities:

    Higher Education Scholarship
    Emerging Professionals Scholarship (Application Coming Soon)
    Social Equity Scholarship (Application Coming Soon)

Learn more about the Road to Greenbuild >>