The authorities in South Florida have worked toward making the city more eco-friendly in the recent times, and have achieved an impressive number of 200 eco-friendly commercial buildings this year. These buildings have been given a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification which specifies that they have eco-friendly elements such as energy efficient water systems, recycled materials, and alternative sources of energy used in them. These buildings range between the platinum, gold, and silver LEED certification, and are a source of inspiration to upcoming commercial spaces as well.

Eco-Friendly Buildings in South Florida

According to experts, at present there are approximately 200 buildings in South Florida that have received their certification from LEED. The building that has earned the 200th certificate is the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience. This building has received a gold level U.S Green Building Council certification.

According to Paul Carty, a local chapter President, companies that have been making efforts to deliver eco friendly promotional items through their activities need to be applauded. Commercial spaces that have been designed using eco-friendly elements help in saving natural resources and also provide a healthy atmosphere for the residential spaces next to them. So such architecture need to be given more credit, he added.

Government Encouraging Eco-Friendly Buildings and Green Businesses

According to experts, the governmental agencies are encouraging the construction of eco-friendly buildings within the various cities. This is because the waste produced from commercial spaces needs to be disposed by the governmental agencies at the city level. Eco-friendly buildings have lesser waste production. So by encouraging eco-friendly construction, the government is trying to save up on their maintenance costs as well.

Eco-friendly buildings are also gaining popularity as they help in reducing recurring costs as well. Before the recession hit the U.S market, most private and small level ventures made efforts to construct eco-friendly buildings. However, after the recession, even large companies joined this trend in an effort to try and cut down on recurring costs. According to Mike Pella, an engineer from Kamm Consulting, eco-friendly buildings have a direct impact on the electricity bills, water bills, and other recurring costs as well. Thus, major corporations have started constructing eco-friendly buildings.

A green certification raises the company's reputation in the eyes of the customers or the clients. So such a certification is a good way to save on costs, and is a good advertising medium as well.

Source:http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2012-12-21/business/fl-leed-milestone-20121221_1_leed-certification-gold-level-certification-resource-efficient-buildings