[2] In the real estate industry, use of the term commenced in 1987 with a report from the World Commission on Environment and Development, entitled "Our Common Future".
[3] Following this initial movement, the real estate industry experienced a back-and-forth relationship with "green" methodologies; environmental issues often came second behind purely economic factors.
[4] Incessant environmental concern and legislation affecting the real estate sector began to emerge, i.e. Green development.
[5]: 134 In response to increasing public concern regarding environmental issues, governments have enacted legislation that regulates various aspects of the real estate industry, as well as other sectors of the economy.
NEPA, enacted in 1970, changed how federal agencies made decisions because it required them to propose environmental analysis before starting a project.
CERCLA is commonly referred to as "Superfund" because it comprises two trust funds that provide help to improve areas that have been polluted by hazardous waste.
This act applies to all decisions made by cities and counties in California, and includes the mandate of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), to both public and private projects.
For example, a demand-side policy component may include placing public transit stops near development, in order to maximize walkability.
The seller of a home is required to include information regarding energy conservation retrofitting and thermal insulation in the sales contract.
This growth management technique ultimately seeks to revitalize central cities, and create vibrant, walk-able spaces for community development.
[1]: 5 In the US, commercial and residential buildings are the highest consumers of electricity and HVAC systems comprise a large portion of this usage.
It incorporates mixed-use development with ground-floor retail center including a deli, a convenience store and an art gallery.
[1]: 80 Zimmer Associates International, a real estate development firm, completed the Inn of the Anasazi in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1991.
Robert Zimmer (co-founder) and his partners, Steve Conger and Michael Fuller, set a goal to construct a building that would, "showcase energy- and resource-saving technologies, strengthen local community, offer first class elegance, and financially reward its participants.
"[1]: 3 The interior design of the hotel pays respect to the ancient Anasazi Indians, including locally crafted furniture, hand-made rugs, and Native American, Hispanic and cowboy wall art.
Also, Zimmer and his partners repurposed a steel-framed building that had previously been used in the 1960s as a juvenile detention center, instead of starting the project from the beginning.
These easements are purchased by governments or non-governmental organizations, in order to "preserve land in its natural, scenic, agricultural, historical, forested, or open-space condition.