NEWPORT BEACH, CA-Green practices in building operations are becoming more and more commonplace, especially in California. As GlobeSt.com recently reported, California was ranked the No. 1 state in the country for recycling and earned high ratings for both renewable energy and an overall “best” rating for “green” practices, according to mphonline.org, a website devoted to information about Master's in Public Health degree programs. GlobeSt.com recently caught up with Steve Core, president of locally based leasing and property-management firm RiverRock Real Estate Group, to discuss why green practices matter so much to his firm and how it promotes the concept with its office clients.

GlobeSt.com: Why are green practices so important to your firm and its clients?

Steve Core: There are several reasons why sustainability is important. In some markets, like San Francisco, it is a market issue: companies want to see green efforts and sustainability in practice. At this point in time, we haven't seen any premiums on rates because of operating sustainably, but it can impact the attention your asset receives. In all markets, operating in a sustainable manner—particularly when it comes to utilities—drives savings to the tenant and increases value to the owner. The best reason to support its importance is that it's just the right thing to do!