As the federal stimulus package pumps billions of dollars into retrofitting the nations federal and institutional buildings for greater energy efficiency, the commercial real estate industry is ramping up to follow suit. Recent high-profile announcements include the 102-story Empire State Building, which is projected to reduce energy by 40% over the next four years while saving $4.4 million each year in costs. In Chicago, the Sears Tower will receive a $350 million energy retrofit that will reduce base energy consumption by 80%.

There's no turning back. According to experts, high-performance green building space is vacant less often, commands premium prices and functions as a compelling market differentiator. Clean technology consultant Pike Research projects the energy retrofit market for commercial space will experience strong growth through 2013 and beyond, until eventually most commercial space in the U.S. has been retrofitted.

But to save money like the Empire State building, owners will have to spend money. Energy retrofits can be costly improvements to make to a property in a market where debt capital is hard to come by and vacancy rates are skyrocketing. The good news is that new financing mechanisms and tools are emerging as a result of the economic need to drive down operating expenses.

To explore the latest and most innovative energy retrofit funding options available to property owners, managers and investors, National Real Estate Investor will host an hour-long Webinar. This distinguished panel of experts features Brenna Walraven, Managing Director of National Property Management for USAA Real Estate Company and former Chairman of BOMA International; Steve Gossett Jr., president of Transcend Equity; and Peter White, Director of Clinton Climate Initiative, North America, with Johnson Controls.

Find out:

• Why your energy retrofits could be free
• How to self-finance through energy savings
• New and proposed government incentives to help fund energy retrofits
• A new program that brings together banks, energy services companies, cities, and building owners to perform energy efficiency retrofits with guaranteed energy and cost-savings from the Clinton Climate Initiative
• A new energy performance contracting model that allows owners to fund and complete their energy retrofits

Register today for this webinar!