Government LEED Incentives

Yes. Commercial building owners are putting LEED certification on their buildings really to get the tax credits.

LEED does not necessarily lower your energy costs; it might, but then again it might not, because the program is so loosely set up.

So the big driver for people getting LEED certification -- which does increase your construction costs -- has been the tax credits you get in the end.

That said, go forth and buy LEED! And if you can't buy LEED, then make your property enegy efficient anyway. You won't get the tax credits like that but you'll get lower heating and cooling costs over the long run.

CONSERVATION is a big part of fixing the energy problem. You might not be able to put a windmill up on your roof, but you could do nearly as much good in terms of lowering your carbon footprint if you start to do some serious CONSERVATION of energy.

cheers, GG