Several jurisdictions throughout Virginia, particularly in the northern suburbs of the Washington, DC metropolitan area, are pushing the envelope on green building practices. These efforts come at a time when the development...more
To increase the sustainability standards of commercial real estate and meet corporate demand for more sustainable rental options, our global real estate study identifies three key barriers that need to be overcome...more
In September, ahead of the Conservative party conference, Rishi Sunak announced a step back from the Government’s net zero policy and targets. This was followed up last week by the Government’s formal response to the Climate...more
At a time when the impact of climate change is at the forefront, countries are taking measures to fight against it and terms like Energy Star and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications have become...more
With increased importance placed on environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, and with numerous companies prioritizing socially conscious goals, many landlords and tenants have implemented “Green Leases” as part...more
With the start of the new year, the ArentFox Schiff Hospitality Industry team reviews 10 of the most pressing legal issues for hospitality companies in 2023. 1. Potential Down Market Pressures. Interest rate increases are...more
Against the ambitious backdrop set by the Paris Climate Agreement to reach net-0 by 2050, there is a clear drive by corporations to move forward on their environmental, social and governance (ESG) or sustainability...more
As in previous years, the California Legislature enacted a large volume of housing production laws in the 2022 session, some of which may have a significant effect on housing production in 2023. ...more
Green building and energy conservation are now more commonplace in the United States with State and Local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) adopting some version of the International Code Council’s (ICC) suite of...more
Under Miami 21, the City’s zoning code, analysis of a property is more involved than just maximum density and square footage. It is important to know the fine points of potential incentives and benefits available to maximize...more
Critical housing bills signed by Governor Newsom - Allen Matkins – September 17 - As the State of California battles through a housing crisis, lawmakers are seeking creative ways to enable local governments to meet...more
The US Department of Health and Human Services recently announced the establishment of the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE). Noting that the OCCHE is “the first office of its kind at the national level to...more
Biden has a plan to remove some freeways. Will it make cities more healthy? Los Angeles Times – July 12 - The Mandela Parkway in West Oakland has changed in many ways, including demographically, since the nearby...more
Potential damages arising from the failure to achieve statutory or contractual requirements concerning Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or other green building standards are far ranging and may include:...more
Signed into law by California Gov. Gavin Newsom on May 20, 2021, and taking immediate effect as an "urgency statute," Senate Bill (SB) 7 revives and expands the previously enacted Environmental Leadership Development Project...more
California Senate rejects controversial housing bill - San Francisco Chronicle – January 29 - A contentious bill to increase the housing supply in California by boosting dense construction around public transit and in...more
Focus - California Senate rejects controversial housing bill - San Francisco Chronicle – January 29 - A contentious bill to increase the housing supply in California by boosting dense construction around public...more
Focus - Hollister Ranch sues California, calling new public access law unconstitutional - Los Angeles Times – January 16 - In a new twist to one of the most high-profile — and longest — beach access battles in...more
The City of St. Petersburg, Florida is one of the latest municipalities to incorporate the concepts of sustainable construction, sometimes referred to as "green building", into the requirements of their municipal code. ...more
In 2016 the City of Coral Gables introduced its new Green Fleet of 20 electric Nissan Leaf vehicles. The City of Coral Gables currently has a total of 43 electric vehicles in its fleet which is one of the largest government...more
Developers and landlords faced the first generation of “green building” initiatives with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and EPA’s Energy Star programs. Now, the states are ready to embark...more
A team of Portland's heavy hitters has proposed a new five-story structure in Skidmore/Old Town that could be certified as Portland's first living building. The project team for the PAE Living Building includes Gerding Edlen,...more
Energy-positive buildings are a hot topic in the next wave in Environmental, Social and Governance investing, in anticipation of the EU directive which will require that all new projects built are "nearly zero energy" as from...more
Sustainable Development Focus - Bullet-train land acquisitions are moving so slowly a judge hearing the cases calls it a ‘lifetime job’ - LOS ANGELES TIMES - Nov 20 Once a month, Judge Edward M. Ross packs his car and...more
Sustainable Development Focus - California voters approve $6 billion in bonds to fund housing - U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT - Nov 7 California voters authorized $6 billion in bond funding for affordable housing as the...more