Commercial Investment Real Estate July/August 2018 | Page 19

Following the incorporation of sustainable green spaces on your property, consider obtaining eco-certifications such as Leader- ship in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), which is overseen by the U.S. Green Building Council and is known as one of the most widely used green building rating systems. In addition to increasing the image of your building, LEED cer- tification has been shown to increase occupancy rates in office buildings and rental rates in residential buildings alike. Develop Sustainable Landscape Designs If your building is lacking in communal space, create innovative green spaces that offer both form and function. Green roofs, for example, are vegetative layers lining a building’s rooftop that can be incorporated into your landscape design to reduce energy costs by offering an added layer of insulation. As a bonus, green roofs can increase the lifespan of a building’s roof by about 20 years, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. Also consider incorporation of interior plants when introduc- ing green spaces into your property. Shown to reduce stress and create an inviting work experience for tenants, interiorscapes not only can enhance the overall image of your property’s design, but also introduce healthy, clean air to your building. From container gardens and potted plants to green walls, the options for interi- orscaping are endless. Create Enjoyable Spaces Sustainable, green landscape design goes well beyond maintained grounds surrounding your building — it also contributes to over- all tenant satisfaction and experience. Commercial spaces often are more successful when they provide tenants and visitors with well-landscaped, environmentally friendly areas to enjoy. In fact, a study conducted by Terrapin Bright Green, an environmental consulting firm, found employees are more productive in natural, green settings. Incorporate experiential living spaces, such as water features that create relaxing environments; lounge areas that provide pri- vacy and shade; or outdoor dining tables, dog parks, walking and biking trails, and recreational spaces on your property that offer employees, tenants, and visitors areas to live, work, and play outdoors. Ready to take your property to the next level before or after sale? Whether you primarily work with retail, office, or mul- tifamily residential buildings, implementing green practices throughout your space can boost your overall bottom line. Missy Henriksen is vice president of public affairs for the National Association of Landscape Professionals in Fairfax, Va. For more information, visit LoveYourLandscape.org or contact Henriksen at [email protected]. CCIM Development Specialty Track The CCIM Development Specialty Track program is one of the industry’s leading continuing education concentrations, providing commercial real estate developers, investors, and consultants with a comprehensive understanding of the entire process of development from due diligence to disposition. The program content is structured around the Real Estate Development Matrix developed by Daniel Kohlhepp, Ph.D., of the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. Next Classroom Courses: Introduction to Development Workshop Date: August 20-22 Location: Nashville, Tenn. Date: September 26-28 Location: Phoenix Tuition: Member: $985 REALTOR®: $1,135 Non-member: $1,285 Course Formats: Classroom and Online Instructor-Led To learn more visit www.ccim.com/dev-track or call [phone], opt 2 CCIM.COM July | August 2018 17