As the global economy looks with concern to the real estate market, the effects are felt by all of us. Living and working in Miami, Florida, the building industry that I am part of has come all but to a halt. As it relates to the South Florida market however things are a little different. The local market conditions have their impact on overall building as well but an ongoing trend in construction focuses on sustainable design.
Within this aspect of the sector, the local market is quite stable. Since building sustainably can still considered to be in its infancy in South Florida, the overall slow growth is helping the movement. Higher quality buildings that are environmentally sensitive, save energy and water and improve indoor environmental quality, are finding their way into every structure still in design and even construction. The US Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system is doing its part to channel projects into a credible and measurable path of green certification. Even projects that are not eligible to be rated under LEED are implementing sustainable features. Savings in water and energy translate into direct savings in operating cost. Other features also attract attention as the public is asking for more green; bus schedules and routes provided to clients, non toxic paint and adhesive selection to improve indoor air quality, installation of FSC certified materials and rapidly renewable flooring such as bamboo.
After the large boom of construction in downtown Miami, particularly the condo market has all but collapsed. The skyline once filled with cranes now only boasts a hand full of steel monsters moving among the clouds. Slowing down may have its positive though. An evaluation of what we are really building and the impact these structures have on the social and environmental network is now coming to the forefront. No longer is the built it as fast and as cheap as possible attitude presents. Quality finds its way back, by popular demand. Even though the intentions of the initial boom were noble in that they were promoting higher density and less dependency on cars, the execution of that idea is now under scrutiny. Indeed some
So it is with a little amusement to observe the growth in marketing of green building features: Dual Flush toilets, smoke free areas, preferred hybrid parking. Structures still getting out of the ground do their utmost to let the public know about the degree of green they are offering. National incentives to upgrade appliances to Energy Star, an EPA program further help to make sustainable living a reality for many residents, even for those just renovating an existing space.
The South Florida market has now positioned itself as a leader with in the Continental US in green building. No longer does the public just look towards California and the West Coast. Things are moving over here.
The City of Miami was recently even rated the number one Greenest City in the US by Forbes Magazine. What an achievement. Programs like a 40 house energy makeover, sponsored by the city, to improve residents energy bill by 25% or more provide an excellent platform for showing your green as well as demonstrating that indeed every one of can have an impact. And to the pleasant surprise, the good to do to nature also helps to keep some green in the wallet. And maybe soon we will see the first off the grid house in South Florida; sun and wind to thank for it.
Green can be seen throughout the US and other global markets. The awareness to improve the built environment and change the direction that it had been heading in the past is ever greater.
Where do we go from here? …still a long way. We are on the right path and we are strapping down to weather this recession. The green building impact can be driven more by residents and home owners. Professionals are getting more educated and sustainable architects and consultants, like myself, are in growing demand. When the client is requesting a sustainable project or product, the marketplace has to listen and provide the goods. You can help to make the change every day.
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