Top Green Stories of 2008

January 12, 2009

While some people were distracted by economic headlines in 2008, green building, design and education continued to advance both in Tampa Bay and beyond. Here’s a quick recap of stories you may have missed.

LEED® Building Expands in Florida: Commercial.  Florida stepped up to the plate this year with a number of LEED projects, including two buildings at the University of Florida, Loften High School and, closest to our hearts, the first LEED-Gold certified building at Hallmark Development’s Offices at Park Place. This building is the Tampa Bay area’s first LEED-Gold-certified office building in the New Construction category, the third LEED Gold commercial building in the Tampa Bay area, and the ninth to receive LEED Gold certification in the state.

LEED® Building Expands in Florida: Residential. 2008 witnessed the completion of the first LEED-gold-certified residence in Florida, located in the Tampa Bay area. It uses fifty-five percent less power and thirty percent less water than a traditionally built home.

Green Collar Boom. The American Solar Energy Society found that renewable energy and energy-efficient industries were responsible for the creation of nearly 8.5 million jobs in 2006. The number is expected to reach 40 million by 2030.  Colleges and Universities are now offering courses and degrees in eco-commerce, environmental accounting, green and social marketing and ecological economics. As the cost of energy climbs, so does the demand for qualified green-collar workers

Mayor’s Alliance for Green Schools. Formed by Mayor Manny Diaz of Miami and Mayor Greg Nickels of Seattle, the Mayors' Alliance for Green Schools promotes the benefits of green schools in their communities. Developed in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the program will work to accelerate the 2007 U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) resolution calling for green schools for all children within a generation.

New Guidelines from USGBC. LEED 2009 is incorporating the biggest changes to the LEED certification program since it began eight years ago. Climate change and energy efficiency are “urgent priorities” within the new guidelines.