"Like any professional, an architect is simply an educator".(Editor's Statement)

ONE OF THE GREAT BENEFITS OF MY JOB as editor in chief of Real Estate Issues is that I have the opportunity to read all of the wonderful manuscripts that the members of The Counselors submit for review. Often I find that I forward them on to professional associates and to my colleagues in the firm. In the case of Fred Butters' article on "The Greening of the Standard of Care," I even appropriated (with full attribution to Fred) his comment that, "Like any professional, an architect is simply an educator." I have integrated this observation into our approach at Bartram & Cochran, and I trust that it characterizes our work with clients. Indeed, for all of us, clients engage Counselors precisely because we offer particular expertise and insights. Each of us has an obligation to ensure that we enlighten clients, dispel myths and preconceived notions, and provide expert advice that helps them realize and sustain their own objectives. In fact, I found myself sharing many of the submissions for this edition of Real Estate Issues, and we distribute REI as an ongoing marketing and communications tool with many of our clients.

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The theme for this issue of REI was first conceived in 2007 when Susanne Cannon, director of the Real Estate Center at DePaul University, along with her associates, decided to present a conference on the business, moral, practical and legal aspects of "going green." That three-day forum created a buzz in the industry, and Susanne soon thereafter applied for a grant from CRE's James Gibson Trust Fund to create a monograph of the presentations. That effort evolved into our identifying the need for this edition of Real Estate Issues.

This issue includes a range of relevant topics that begins with why "green" is important, how the process is governed, how the AIA has changed its position from being educators to advocates, and other associated ethical, legaland sustainability issues. The articles enable the readers to understand the evolution of "going green," and the very real problems that can be concealed behind the "glitter" of pursuing and obtaining a LEED [R] certification. We all should extend a sincere thank you to Susanne and to DePaul University for being such thought leaders in our industry.

This is my last issue as editor in chief of Real Estate Issues; a job that could not have been accomplished or enjoyed as much without the very capable assistance provided by other Counselors and members of our organization's staff. In particular, I must thank Peter Burley, this year's associate editor, who will succeed me as the next editor in chief. Peter provides a reliable, steady and consistent support of the publication on an almost daily basis, and he was always quick to volunteer whenever special articles were required. REI's board is comprised of our industry's best and brightest. Its member's contribution of articles, reviews and strategic direction have elevated REI to a new level. And a course, none of this great work could be realized absent a dedicated staff. Since joining the CRE team last year, Carol Scherf has produced and edited all three issues. These issues have been the largest, most complex and best in the history of REI. My sincere thanks to all.

BY MAURA M. COCHRAN, CRE, SIOR

MAURA M. COCHRAN, CRE, SIOR

EDITOR IN CHIEF

To send any article and/or the complete issue of REI electronically, please visit www.cre.org and go to the Real Estate Issues web page.

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