Alpine March - April 2011 newsletter

March - April 2011 Issue IN THIS ISSUE Is Your Insurance Green?

Retailers Cope with Rising Costs Trend 2011 Energy Efficiency

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GREEN INSURANCE

FACILITY MANAGERS: How GREEN Is Your Insurance?

Retail facility managers are generally aware of the benefits of going green when their HVAC systems' performance is less than optimum and energy costs are above normal. But how many facility managers are giving thoughts about "green insurance" when it comes to the fate of their facility should a fire or other disaster prompt the filing of an insurance claim?

According to insurance industry analysts, few are aware of risks specific to the sustainable building industry-many of which may not be covered by a conventional insurance policy. Why is this so? Typically, facility managers have simply not taken the steps necessary to identify risks and take the necessary steps to mitigate risk, ensure they're properly insured, and maximize a retail company's green approach.

Managers realize the direct benefits of making a building more green through recommissioning or Greening in Place™, which can significantly reduced energy use and demand.

However, another important benefit is overall company reputation. Firms that implement green practices are generally viewed in a more favorable light by their industry peers and the consumer public. On a more global scale, with global warming causing greater and more frequent hazardous weather conditions (even our severe winter weather of 2010 can be attributed to global warming), it is in everyone's best interest to help their carbon footprint by encouraging green practices whether its in new construction or rebuilding after a disaster.

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FACING SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES

HOW ARE RETAILERS COPING WITH RISING COSTS? According to a major online web site that tracks trends and stocks in the retail industry, retailers are facing some significant challenges. The report in Seeking Alpha notes: As major retailers report 2010 results, the focus will continue to be on the surging costs of commodities and labor. As oil once again hovers above $100 per barrel and cotton prices stand at a 150-year high, retailers have tough choices as far as raising prices or passing the costs onto consumers.

Gas prices at the pump are currently running about 20% higher than last year and the highest since October 2008.

With oil above $100/barrel don't be surprised to see gas prices hit $4/gallon again by the summer. Economists estimate each 1 cent increase in gas prices takes $1 billion out of consumers' pockets. The last thing shoppers want is to see is higher prices.

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TREND 2011

Energy Efficiency-The Trend for 2011 Retail & Commercial Construction Practices According to a new white paper published

by Pike Research, energy efficiency will become a growing focus in the retail and commercial building design and construction industry in 2011.

Despite a global recession that has correlated into a lack of new construction projects, energy efficient retrofits continued to grow this past year and a multitude of factors will continue to influence the direction of building efficiency efforts domestically and internationally. Amidst a complex mix of contributing factors, Pike Research cataloged the various influences into ten basic building efficiency trends.

Read About the Trends Here