Glendale, AZ – The National Association of Industrial Office Properties (NAIOP) held its first national “green” conference March 12-13, with a focus on the growing popularity of sustainable development. NAIOP, a leading trade organization of developers, contractors and real estate professionals, has been tracking the demand for green buildings and working closely with the USGBC, according to NAIOP President Thomas Bisacquino, and Chairman Alan Beaudette. Interviews took place in the exhibit hall for the March 13 “Who’s Building Your Future” KFNX radio segment with co-hosts Steve Cooper, President of the Institute of Construction Management & Technology, and SSRCx newcomer Denise van den Bossche.

The event included a panel discussion on LEED certification costs. Peter Garver, VP of Corporate Office Properties Trust, discussed the key components of building commissioning, energy modeling and green consulting. Case studies were presented throughout the two-day event illustrating additional certification costs ranging up to 2% of overall project costs. Examples of credits, incentives and reduced operating costs showed how certification costs can be negated or recouped.

Jamie Qualk, director of LEED facilitation sales at SSRCx in Nashville, responded to questions on the costs associated with LEED certification. According to Qualk, there are significant efficiencies obtained when the three soft cost components of commissioning, energy modeling and green consulting are provided by one integrated team.

“There are very few providers nationwide assuming this role in LEED facilitation projects,” said Qualk. “Integration removes the learning curve from the general contractor and other team members and provides sub-trades a clear and complete matrix table, resulting in a transparent certification process to contractors, reducing burden and fees, and providing a more successful overall project.”  Qualk was in town to meet with Arizona clients and promote the expansion of the Phoenix office of parent company Smith Seckman Reid with SSRCx's full service LEED facilitation.