Green Cities - Why Investors Should Care
As our available resources dwindle, pollution rises, and people become more aware of environmental issues, there's a growing movement to help convert our urban areas into green cities and encourage developers to create green projects. People who are worried about the environment, or who want to live in a healthy city have even compiled lists of the greenest cities in the US. That means areas like Eugene and Portland, Oregon; Austin, TX; and St. Paul, Minnesota have been getting a lot more attention. What's special about them? They're on the National Geographic Green Guide's Top Ten Green Cities List, a compilation of the healthiest and most environmentally friendly urban centers in the United States. What Makes a City One of the Green Cities? Without the data that's used to determine which cities are greenest, it can be hard to figure out what makes them so eco-friendly. Generally, those cities that are ranked the highest are attempting to provide living spaces that are energy efficient, pollute less, and are healthier. Air quality, the way these cities use and produce power, how citizens feel about environmental issues, the cities' environmental policies, and attempts at green design are all important parts of being considered green cities. Other factors that people interested in green cities and green projects pay attention to are the amount of green spaces in the area, such as parks, gardens, waterfronts and trail systems, public health, available recycling, water quality and alternative transportation options.
Cities that encourage sustainable power production and use, are friendly to alternative methods, like wind and water power, and that have an environmental plan to reduce pollution and improve efficiency are likely to appeal to people who are concerned about their environment. Good recycling programs, and resources for transportation that don't involve cars are a plus, too. Bike trails, good access to bus and light rail systems, and walkable sidewalks are part of this. What does this mean for investors and developers? If you're interested in expanding to include green projects, you should take these factors into account yourself. This is particularly important if you're building in green cities, since they encourage projects that include sustainable practices.
Things to Consider When Developing for Green Cities When you develop a green project, you'll be paying attention to many of the same factors that are considered when choosing green cities. The materials you use to build your project can be sustainable, or can draw on nonrenewable natural resources. The way you plan your project can cause it to need lots of power and plenty of maintenance in order to operate, or you can use green planning to help reduce this. The right site planning, building structure, and materials can yield a project that reduces erosion, uses little power, and even partially heats and cools itself using passive solar energy. Green projects don't even have to be a big extra expense. Much of the difference you can make comes in during the planning process.
Many investors and developers are afraid that keeping up with ecologically friendly practices are going to raise costs and put their projects behind schedule. However, there's no reason that this should happen if you plan appropriately. Well-executed green projects have a track record of good financial performance. While some initial project costs are higher, others can be reduced, and the cost of operating green buildings is generally lower. Buyers and renters are willing to pay extra for developments that they know are healthy and energy efficient, as well. While green projects used to just be the province of investors who were worried about the environment, mainstream investors are being brought into this type of building as well, because it has been shown to be profitable.
When you're planning green projects, it's also important to work closely with local or city officials. Green cities often have carefully developed plans for their area's growth. By finding out what they are, and working within them, you'll have an easier time with some of the basic considerations of a green project. For instance, it's simpler to provide access to public transportation or other alternative methods if you know where that transportation is going to be expanded and when. Finding out what kind of development the city wants in a particular location will allow you to match with other projects that are being built there. You can also find out what your city's views on energy and water conservation are, and integrate them into your plans.
Green cities are becoming an important concern for people who are moving or who want to improve the health and ecological state of their city. A big part of converting our cities into cleaner, more pleasant places to live is encouraging green projects. Fortunately, these projects are also being shown to be profitable and not too hard to get off the ground. If you're an investor, joining the ranks of those who are concentrating on eco-friendly development is a great idea. Talk with officials in your city or local area to find out how you can get in on the trend. Green cities are better for everyone, since they're healthier, more efficient, and more visually attractive. That means the demand for green projects is growing. Start your own green developments soon!
Tell others about
this page:
Comments? Questions? Email Here