Commercial Investment Real Estate July/August 2019 | Page 23

Cool roofing: New designs allow buildings to reduce cooling costs with the installation of a high emittance coating on the roof. Such cool roofs can reflect more of the sun’s thermal energy, which reduces cooling costs. These coatings can also diminish the heat island effect of urban areas, which results from land modification and waste heat. What’s more, cool roofing solutions can decrease maintenance costs and extend product life cycles by diminishing the sun’s dete- riorating effects on the roof. Passive solar design: Intentional design choices are one method of reducing traditional heating methods. Structures built on a thermal mass can be heated by the sun, while an open floor plan allows for greater distribution of heat in the summer. Addi- tionally, designing eaves that shade an interior from the summer sun, which is higher in the sky, and allow direct sunlight from the lower winter sun can reduce heating and cooling costs. While a variety of factors can constrain design, these options are typically free of additional costs during construction. Anaerobic digesters: Microorganisms can break down organic matter in a process known as anaerobic digestion. Food waste, greases, sewage, and other biological material can be processed without oxygen. Digesters reduce water waste and produce biogas, a renewable energy that can power engines, furnaces, and natural gas-based vehicles. The downside? Price is a major hurdle toward widespread utilization. Electrochromic glass: Glazing on a building can lead to sig- nificant energy waste. Electrochromic glass has LED particles embedded into the glazing align themselves to reduce visible and solar radiation through the glass when electricity is applied. Con- trolled via a switch or by remote sensors, this “smart glass” can reduce long-term energy usage. Meeting the triple bottom line of construction — being financially, environmentally, and socially responsible — is a tall task. But with technological advances and improved design practices, the industry can meet the challenge of building in the 21st century. Eric Holt, Ph.D., is an assistant professor at the Franklin L. Burns School of Real Estate and Construction Management at the University of Denver. Contact him at [email protected]. Editor’s note: This article was adapted from the course “Construction: Sustainability Planning and Management.” In addition to a discussion of green building methods, the course explores sustainability practices, certification programs, and examples of successful development and design practices. For more information, visit www.ccim.com/education. Build Your Own Vacation Giveaway THE CCIM FOUNDATION’S MAJOR FUNDRAISER FOR 2019 Two lucky winners will receive a $5,000 voucher for a dream vacation. You choose your destination, your itinerary, and your timetable! CCIM Institute members can enter to win by donating $100 or more to the CCIM Foundation. Winners will be announced on Oct. 14 at the CCIM Fall Governance Meetings in San Diego. You need not be present to win. Prize sponsored by: Visit www.ccimef.org/sweepstakes.asp to enter. Your donation will be tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law. The CCIM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. CIREMAGAZINE.COM July | August 2019 21