The market is slowly recuperating. Over the next 12 to 18 months, the road, even with its bumps, will continue to improve. But, to trot out the old saw, the recovery (such as it is), won't raise all of the boats equally.

Over the next few months, even as shovels again slowly start to break ground, the emphasis is still going to be on the efficiency of the built environment. In fact, even in flush times, an asset that has been fine-tuned to maximize both tenant retention and cost effectiveness is a joy to behold.

The importance of building performance and marketing has been a key issue for our readers, and they have told us so repeatedly...in our recent reader survey and in their reaction to recent GlobeSt.com stories. So here is our major-push response...this inaugural issue of BETTER BUILDINGS magazine. Actually, as those of you in the New York metro area might know, this is actually a relaunch since BETTER BUILDINGS was, in the'80s and '90s, the go-to publication for the building management community. (In fact, it was my first time at the helm after joining the Real Estate Media Group when...well ...way back when.)

What's different now is that the original was largely a blue-collar concern focused on the nitty gritty of maintenance (Nota Bene: I have a blue-collar background and wear it proudly so no denigration meant there) while the new formulation seeks to blend the day-to-day concern of building efficiency to the very white-collar focus on asset management.

Clearly, given the feedback of our readers, the magazine's time has come again, and we will be focusing each issue on best practices for a new generation of managers. For instance, this inaugural issue will give you an inside look into the ahead-of-the-curve strategies behind the success of Accenture Tower in Minneapolis. Contributor Jennifer LeClaire tells an amazing story not only of tenant retention, but also leasing growth in a market and an economy that can make strong managers cry.

And Amy Wolff Sorter will take a look at how to get the most of your building's energy management systems. As she points out, the miniaturized, computerized systems of today are clearly not your father's lighting control systems. You'll learn how to get the most from your EMS and what tools and capabilities you need to bring to that table.

More than ever, the bottom line is top of mind and a corporate imperative. It is our aim, in every issue of BETTER BUILDINGS, to provide you with insights to that mission. And as always, we seek and encourage your input.