Commercial Real Estate in California
Why Build Green?
Commercial buildings in California consume 35 percent of the state's electricity at an annual cost of approximately $12 billion. These buildings comprise 90 percent of all square footage in the state.
Through the Green Building Order, and the Green Building Action Plan, Governor Schwarzenegger has committed California to leading by example in improving the energy and environmental performance of existing and new State buildings.
By implementing “green” or sustainable practices in the facilities it owns, leases, retrofits or maintains, the private sector can follow the State of California's lead in conserving resources and saving money, while creating healthier places in which to work and conduct business.
Get Going Green!
The Green Building Order calls for reducing electricity consumption in State buildings 20 percent by 2015 and encourages commercial real estate owners to take steps to do the same.
In order to reach the governor's ambitious goal, the State will employ a variety of best practices including: baselining and benchmarking the energy efficiency of its buildings, and commissioning or retro-commissioning facilities to ensure that energy systems are operated as efficiently as possible.
It's estimated that through the process of retro-commissioning, commercial buildings meeting today's energy standards can save $2.1 billion a year!
As part of the Green Building Order, California is embracing the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council. The State is reviewing its major planned construction projects and will seek to achieve LEED “Silver” certification for as many of the projects as feasible. Click here for more information on LEED and U.S. Green Building Council.
The Green Building Order also calls for State agencies to lease office space in buildings that have attained a U.S. EPA Energy Star rating.
Governor Schwarzenegger enlisted real estate leaders across California to serve on the Real Estate Industry Leadership Council. This Council is composed of private sector building owners, managers and commercial real estate financiers. The Council was established to advise the Green Action Team and ensure progress toward the goals of the Green Building Order and the Green Building Action Plan.
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