In This Issue:

Green Building Focus -- Collaboration and cost are keys to green building; Green cleaning policy proposed for LEED certification; San Mateo County's plan to reduce greenhouse gases; DOE's Green Ribbon competition; Cadmus acquires Constructive Technologies Group; Oakland nursery receives grants for 'green' expansion; Green Building Projects -- Hyundai to build new green headquarters in California; General Mills' expansion earns LEED Gold; RBC Centre earns LEED Gold; and AOC world headquarters earns LEED Silver.

Excerpt from Green Building Focus -- Collaboration and cost are keys to green building

Globe St. - Jan 3

According to Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”), 2012 will see further expansion in sustainable design and development as countries and companies continue to collaborate on the best green building practices. Low cost is the first reason for green building expansion in 2012. JLL says it is less expensive to design and build in compliance with LEED standards today. The second reason is collaboration between governments and companies on green standards. In the U.S., five major cities and two states have enacted energy performance measurement and disclosure policies, and nine more cities and states are considering similar bills.