The content for this article was originally posted on the NAIOP blog on December 4th, 2020.
What is the first thing many developers or investors think when they hear the words “sustainable” or “green” as their architects describe their building design? For decades, the common perception has been that it is difficult (if not impossible) to make a deeply green building pencil financially. However, by definition “sustainability” is the nexus of environmental, social and economic progress.
As part of NAIOP Washington State’s annual Night of the Stars awards recognizing commercial real estate innovation, the chapter’s Sustainable Development Committee took a closer look at the two nominees, each of whom have elected to be on the front edge of sustainable real estate development. The committee interviewed key participants who were both recognized with Sustainable Development of the Year awards, Watershed and Inspire at the Russell W. Young Building, to learn how they overcame perception to create these very special properties – and are already meeting their projected ROI numbers in less than one year of operation.