Update on $100 Million Class Action Lawsuit against USGBC

Gifford Files Amended Complaint in Gifford v. USGBC: See http://www.greenrealestatelaw.com/2011/02/class-action-no-more-gifford-led-plaintiffs-file-amended-complaint-against-usgbc/ http://www.greenbuildinglawblog.com/ Submitted by Jeffrey S. Wertman of Berger Singerman (JWertman@bergersingerman.com)

Latest Green Building Litigation Update

A Syracuse, New York shopping center developer has failed to meet green-technology requirements for its $228 million in tax-exempt, 30-year green bonds used to help finance the first phase of its expansion of a mall into an entertainment and tourism center to be called ”Destiny USA.”  The stage is now set for a host of lawsuits. See [...]

Solar Access: a Suggested Model Statute and Ordinance

As a result of the more rapid adoption of solar energy measures by homeowners and businesses in response to state and federal incentives, the US Department of Energy commissioned a study of the effectiveness of current laws pertaining to solar access.  Solar energy systems require direct access to sunlight to operate effectively and efficiently. The [...]

USGBC Sued in $100 Million Class Action Lawsuit

On  October 8, 2010, Henry Gifford and Gifford Fuel Saving, filed a complaint against the U.S. Green Building Council (“USGBC”) and its founders in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (Case No. 1:10 CV-7747). The lawsuit alleges, among other things, that USGBC’s promotion of its LEED standards is misleading and [...]

City Secures Renewable Energy Agreement as Part of FPL Franchise Renewal

Sparked by a desire to promote clean energy, in 2010, the City of Sarasota debated creating a municipal utility vs. renewing a multi-year municipal franchise agreement. After several months of tense negotiations and lengthy public hearings, the City of Sarasota and Florida Power and Light Company entered into a Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Energy [...]

Jacksonville Privately Owned Office Building Converted to Green with LEED Silver

The Allen Morris Company has received Silver LEED for Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its 110,235 square foot Center Building located in Jacksonville, Florida. It is the first privately-owned office building in Jacksonville to receive the designation. The building was built in 1977 and completely renovated in [...]

Miami Science Museum’s Green Roof Demonstration Project

After a year of development and data collection, the Miami Science Museum recently reported the findings of its Green Roof Demonstration Project and launched its second phase. The project included five roof assemblies: two extensive green roofs (one with irrigation, one without) and two intensive roofs (one with irrigation, one without) and a control, white [...]

Green Building Litigation Update

Gidumal v. Site 16/17 Development LLC, et al., N.Y. County Index No. 105958/10 (New York County Supreme Court, May 5, 2010), is the first reported case against a developer of a green building alleging the developer failed to deliver a project as represented during pre-construction. On May 5, 2010, unit owners of the 31-story, 264-unit [...]

Green Building Health and Productivity Benefits for Employees: First Steps Toward Scientific Evidence

A Michigan State University (MSU) study has taken a preliminary step toward providing scientific evidence on the health and productivity benefits of green construction and operations. Part of the allure of  green buildings is the promise of higher returns due to better employee productivity and health and less absenteeism. Green commercial developments potentially create a [...]

Florida Opportunity Fund Seeks Applications for Clean Energy Investment Program

  The Clean Energy Investment Program, launched by the Florida Opportunity Fund with an initial $36 million in funding, is now accepting applications for investment opportunities that advance the adoption of renewable energy and energy-efficiency technology across the State.    The Clean Energy Investment Program will provide qualifying Florida businesses with investments in three primary [...]

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