The Real Estate Group at Hoge Fenton Jones & Appel is proud to announce the launch of its Green Building and Sustainable Design Practice Group.  The group was formed to meet the burgeoning needs of the firm’s land use, real estate, and construction clients in complying with new standards for developing and building energy efficient and environmentally sound projects.

Once considered a novelty, the concept of environmentally sensitive design and construction is now being translated into new state and local building standards across the nation.  A combination of factors is driving this push toward sustainable development, including: a heightened awareness of energy issues, more efficient construction technologies, and effective site reuse alternatives, including conservation of open space, to improve the local environment. Today no one would think to design a school with asbestos in the ceiling, or a 30-story hotel without a fire protection system.  Soon no one will consider designing housing, schools, or public buildings without providing low-flow toilets, energy efficient lighting, passive solar heating and cooling technology, and integrated site design.

Hoge Fenton’s Green Building and Sustainable Design Practice Group is composed of transactional and litigation attorneys with deep expertise in land use, real estate, environmental, construction, finance, and tax law.  It helps its clients meet the myriad challenges that arise out of these new design and building standards in the quickest and most efficient way possible, while helping clients develop financially solvent projects.

“Developers and builders today need to stay on the cutting edge of sustainable design and green building standards in their communities,” said Sblend Sblendorio, the group’s chair.  “Whether you seek to take advantage of special financing and tax incentives available for green building projects, or you are contemplating a lease that requires future green building components, or you are looking to develop or build a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified project, you need to be informed – and this group has the vision and expertise to help you succeed.”