The results of the first systematic study of green buildings are in and they look good!  Specifically, the study filtered sample data to Class A office buildings larger than 200,000 sf, 5 stories or more, built since 1970, and multi- tenanted.  To compare green versus non-green, they used Energy Star and non-Energy Star buildings, and therefore, the sample contained 223 Energy Star buildings (111.7 million square feet) and 2,077 non-Energy Star buildings (889.1 million square feet).  The results: (1) HIGHER occupancy rates, (2) HIGHER rental rates, and (3) HIGHER sales prices psf for Energy Star buildings. 

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Portland has tons of LEED buildings, but they’re hoping to claim the greenest residential condo tower in the United States.  The Casey Condominiums is on track to be the first residential building in the U.S. to receive LEED Platinum certification.  Sitting on the corner of NW 12th and Everett, which is smack dab in the Pearl District, this 16-story tower will have 61 units averaging just over 2,000 sf in size.  Word is they’re 70% pre-sold, too.  And in addition to 4,200 sf of ground-floor retail space, the luxury, eco-tower will feature a multi-faceted glass art installation (as you can see in some of the images).

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This is The Zody Chair by Haworth.  It’s an incredible chair.  Best chair I’ve ever used.  It gives you this feeling that’s hard to explain.  It’s kind of like when you get a new pair of shoes at the age of 8 or 9.  Those shoes make you run faster, jump higher, and do more.  Well, this chair is that for business people.  It helps you do more when you’re doing a lot of sitting around.  I feel different in this jet black, super modern, eco-friendly, award-winning chair. 

Today’s that big shopping day with all the crowds:  it’s Black Friday.  If you’re in the market for a quality gift, I honestly think you should just ring in an order for one of these and call your Christmas shopping done.  I’m serious.  I recently toured the offices of a green renovation and they had a room full of Zody chairs.  When they were looking for chairs, they felt the Zody chair was superior in green benefits and had a reasonable price.   

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