Signs Condos Are Going Green

Opting to purchase a condo for city living has never been a better choice. With high-rise, mid-rise, townhouse and loft-style options, buyers have never had more to choose from. Enter the next level of city living: the green choice.

Brad Coy

The trend that was once considered an alternative -- using sustainable building materials -- has followed growth in single-family dwellings and moved into our biggest of cities. Buyers of condos have plenty of choices these days given the market conditions in most areas. Some new green developments are even offering incentives to move their inventory as the economy wavers.

Having a healthier choice in city living is definitely moving instep with social change. Whereas I once heard chuckles at the idea of purchasing a green residence, it is now often cited as a solid choice. As our cities continue to develop, I feel that alongside the coveted value of location, we will see health, environment and economic performance be determining factors for condo buyers.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program has been developed by the U.S. Green Building Council and provides a green rating checklist for commercial, residential and neighborhood developments.

Brad Coy is a licensed associate with San Francisco Real Estate Services, and a certified EcoBroker.

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