A Green Revolution In American Workplaces

"The movement is starting to change how office buildings are designed and could render thousands of existing offices obsolete...Employers including Goldman, Sachs & Co., Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Harley-Davidson Inc. are starting to ask for buildings with more natural light, fresher air and fewer toxic materials in the paint, carpeting and other finishes.

Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and Chicago are among many cities requiring new public buildings to be green. Municipalities are offering incentives, such as faster construction approvals and reduced permit fees, to get the private sector to follow suit...

Although the green movement is in its infancy, its endorsement by a growing number of prestigious employers, developers and cities is seen as giving a shot in the arm to the nation's environmental movement as concern about the effects of global warming and environmental pollution spread."