Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why should my company become an AGPOM member?

  • AGPOM helps your company “Go Green”.  Going green is good for the planet, your local community and your bottom line. 
  • Your membership status with AGPOM makes you eligible for various pricing credits with partner vendors such as consultants and insurance providers.
  • Increasingly, companies are under pressure to participate in the Green Movement.  This pressure is coming from customers, employees and the government. AGPOM provides tools and resources specifically selected to help alleviate that pressure.

 

What tools and resources does AGPOM provide?  The first thing companies need is strategic direction on where and how to participate. We offer this in two forms depending upon your type of business. The AGPOM Green Building Plan caters to owners and managers of buildings.  The AGPOM Green Tenant Plan applies to tenants of commerical buildings.  Both plans concentrate primarily on behavioral changes to your operation that directly result in utility savings and a lower carbon footprint. Once you commit to one of the plans, your are granted "Level II" membership status and further membership benefits.

 

You mentioned improvements to my bottom line?  Absolutely! From lower utility bills to more productive employees, taking on corporate sustainability measures has proven to increase profitability. See our page on Why Go Green for more details.

 

OK, I see why I should Go Green, will AGPOM help me document my efforts for others?  We will!  Once you commit to one of the AGPOM Green Property Plans, we will send you an impressive member plaque for display in your reception area.  We will also send you a member seal which can be used on your website and other marketing material.  Both are valuable tools for demonstrating your commitment to others and enhancing your image in the marketplace. 

 

Is the presence of an AGPOM plaque in my lobby, or a seal on my website, really that useful?  Every day, people and companies around the country are moving to a Greener way of life. With pressure from the federal government, as well as customers and employees, most will continue moving in a Green direction. Member recognition by AGPOM is an important part of documenting your participation for interested parties. Early adapters will take early benefits.

 

Must I achieve every item in the AGPOM Green Property Plan to attain “Level II” membership and realize the benefits found therein?  Each member has unique attributes relative to how they manage their business.  We are open to discussion regarding this topic.  Reasonable exceptions can be made. 

 

Why should I join AGPOM to receive information, products and services that I can find elsewhere?  AGPOM's mission is driven by simplification.  The Green Movement continues to grow and evolve. Many are overwhelmed by the sea of information out there.  We provide a simple, cost-effective solution to this problem.  Further, many of our products and services are proprietary and can only be accessed by AGPOM members.  

 

Is the AGPOM insurance program available to all members?  Yes, the insurance program is available to Level 1, 2 and 3 members. 

 

Your Green Property Plans are great first steps for taking my company Green, what about when I want to take the next step?  AGPOM offers you a pre-qualified network of expert sustainability consultants that can take you to the next level. Furthermore, these consultants provide their services at a discounted rate to AGPOM members. Also, parts of the AGPOM Plan directly support LEED and other certification programs for Green Buildings.  Becoming an AGPOM member contributes to those certifications.

 

Why are so many companies now embracing the Green movement?  Ultimately because it makes good business sense. It's been proven that green buildings operate more efficiently, and employees who occupy those buildings are happier and more productive. The "greening" of buildings has proven to be a good business decision.

 

I hear a lot about LEED. I realize that AGPOM does not compete with LEED, but supports it. How do the costs of a LEED-certified building compare to that of a traditional property?  It depends.  LEED has various levels of certification. In general, our experience shows a 0 to 15 percent increase in up-front costs, depending on the scope of the project. As expected, a building with LEED platinum certification will have increased upfront costs as compared to LEED silver. However, it is important,  to look at the complete life cycle costs of the building rather than simply upfront costs. The long-term savings available far outweigh the additional up-front costs.

 

What makes a building "green"?  A green building is a structure that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout its life cycle. Green buildings are designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment by:

  • Efficiently using energy, water, and other resources.
  • Protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity.

  • Reducing waste, pollution and environment degradation.

What is the history of green building in the U.S.?  The green building field began to gain traction in the ealy 1990s as outlined below:

  • American Institute of Architects (AIA) formed the Committee on the Environment (1989).
  • Environmental Resource Guide published by AIA, funded by EPA (1992).
  • EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy launched the ENERGY STAR program (1992).
  • First local green building program introduced in Austin, TX (1992).
  • U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) founded (1993).
  • "Greening of the White House" initiative launched (Clinton Administration 1993).
  • USGBC launched their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) 1.0 pilot program (1998).
  • "The Energy Policy Act of 2005" includes federal building sustainable performance standards (2005).
  • Nineteen federal agencies sign "Federal Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable Buildings Memorandum of Understanding" at a White House Summit (2006).
  • The Office of Management and Budget unveils a new Environmental Scorecard for federal agencies which includes a Sustainable Building element (2006).
  • President Bush signs "Executive Order 13423" which includes federal goals for sustainable design and high performance buildings (2007).
  • The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 includes requirements for high performance green federal buildings (2007).
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