Why can’t we be green?
The developer has consistently refused to talk about LEED certification except to say that certification costs too much (our guess it may be the equivalent of a week or two of attorney fees. If they achieve LEED Platinum, there are no fees. What attorney can match that!?).
LEED-certified buildings:
* Lower operating costs and increased asset value.
* Reduce waste sent to landfills.
* Conserve energy and water.
* Healthier and safer for occupants.
* Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
* Qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances and other incentives in hundreds of cities.
* Demonstrate an owner’s commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
We think its a good idea for Goodwill of course - it would keep their operating costs way down. Gold and Platinum LEED certified buildings have average energy savings approaching 50%.
Even Target claims they are green. But their project here won’t fit in with Mayor Nickel’s vision for a green Seattle.
And now there is a report that shows that LEED buildings outperform peers in not only energy conservation, but sales, rentals and occupancy rates..
There are already about 40 LEED projects in Seattle. “We will continue to make Seattle a model for the nation and the world” boasts the Mayor. We whole-heartedly agree with the vision, and only ask wouldn’t a little mitigation for the 25,000 daily automobile trips to this project be in order? A project that is getting so much support from his administration should participate in helping make “Seattle America’s Green Building Capital”.