As the Obama government comes under pressure to adopt ever greener policies, the new Association of Green Property Owners and Managers (AGPOM) said it makes sense to adopt green practices in the real estate industry as ultimately they save money as well as protecting the planet.
The pressure on companies around the country to reduce their carbon footprints continues to increase.
But the many are put off by the complex entry system and the cost in time of manpower.
A non-profit organisation, AGPOM, aims to provide financial incentives for property owners and managers to get started with or become more fully aquainted with green practices.
‘AGPOM will challenge and hopefully change business practices for managing properties around the country,’ said Doug Waddell, President of Waddell Properties, a large apartment building owner and AGPOM member based in Kirkland, Washington.
He said his firm had already benefitted from adopting green practices.
‘We were able to increase our insurance coverage while reducing our premiums and business risk.
In addition, we expect to realize energy savings through our commitment to the AGPOM Green Building Plan,’ Waddell explained.
Some property owners clearly are seeing a return on investment by bringing their buildings up to certified green standards, according to Art Smith, an AGPOM board member.
He wants to dispel the myth that getting green certification is laborious and costly.
‘AGPOM will offer a straightforward way to get going without requiring large investments in technology or manpower.
Providing knowledge and an achievable entry plan coupled with the financial incentives to our members is the key to growing the green movement,’ he added.
He said that AGPOM`s market-based benefits for property owners and managers also include access to a cost effective building plan, discounted consulting and legal services as well as updates on green news and trends.
Smith added that the overall benefits of going green include
