Editors' Summary

Recent studies make clear that it is not whether a building is built "green" that matters in terms of both greenhouse gas reductions and other environmental benefits; rather the most important factor is how the building is operated and used in the long term. Long-term leases negotiated today should address the operation of green buildings to achieve environmental benefits and the roles of parties in doing so. A review of model leases available in the United States and throughout the world, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, provides a global view of how real estate markets--both public and private--are navigating the dilemma of meeting climate change mandates through leases.