The Fortune-Creating office building 2000 Tower Oaks Blvd has been awarded the title Greenest Office Building in Maryland by state Comptroller Peter Franchot. The comptroller’s office said the building is a "shining example for the rest of the state . . . because it has an economic value and an environmental value.
The building challenges preconceived notions about Vedic and environmentally friendly structures, such as that having a green building involves sacrificing certain conveniences, or that environmental friendliness is counterintuitive to business success.
Tower Companies received $1.6 million in a state tax credit for the building. Because of the tax credit, the idea of green practices as the norm "permeates into the marketplace," developer team member Marnie Abramson said. "In the long term, we can build our way into a sustainable future." The tax credit, which was created in 2001, allows developers to recoup 6 to 8 percent of construction costs if a building qualifies for platinum status in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, rating system. Tower Oaks was the first building in Maryland to qualify.
Reaching platinum status included using 100 percent wind energy, limiting water and electricity consumption, reducing air and light pollution, and making sure 90 percent of occupants have outside views. Each of these elements was in complete harmony with the Maharishi Vedic principles of the building.
The company is looking toward the next step: finding a way to generate its electricity on site.