PITTSBURGH – The 2009 Linc Service Continuing Education Conference brought together nearly 700 employees from Linc Service Contractor locations for two days of class sessions, recently held in Dallas, that focused on training tools and sharing best practices. Christine Ervin, former president & CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council and assistant secretary of energy under the Clinton administration, spoke at the conference about how green buildings can deliver a broad stream of benefits.  

Linc Service contractors follow the disciplines of the Linc System to deliver preventive maintenance – as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning service, and bundled energy solutions – to the commercial market. Collectively, Linc Service contractors comprise the Linc Service Network, a growing global organization with more than 145 members across the U.S., Canada, Bermuda and Mexico.

At the conference, Ervin made a compelling case that green is far from being just another fad, but rather a whole new way of doing business.  Ervin said green buildings can lower operating costs and increase building value while enhancing occupant productivity and helping companies retain the best employees.

“I’m impressed by what Linc Network is doing to bring the latest in green market developments to its franchise network,” Ervin said.  “That’s smart business for them, and certainly for Linc Service contractors who are constantly looking for ways to lower customers’ operating costs and stay competitive in this very challenging economy.”

Ervin discussed how, despite much evidence to the contrary, perceptions of high costs are the single biggest obstacles to more buildings going green. Citing several studies, Ervin said there is no statistical difference in average construction costs for green projects – most of which have been completed within existing budgets, despite recent construction cost increases.  In fact, many projects report no cost increase, and for those that do, the average payback is less than two years.

“Never before has your industry been in such a position to contribute so much value for society,” Ervin said.  “Whether it’s lowering operating costs, being part of an overall, high-performance green building, helping to create jobs or cutting carbon emissions – you play a critical role.  Besides, knowing that you’re contributing so much adds to the personal balance sheet as well.”     

“In today’s marketplace, customers in virtually every sector are looking for ways to lower operating costs and stay competitive amidst a tough economic climate,” Linc Network President & CEO Scott Giacobbe said.  “The stakes are even higher for existing properties that now must compete with high performance green buildings already on the market.  It’s never been more important for those existing properties to reach higher levels of performance. Helping building owners and facility managers reach those levels are what Linc Service contractors do best.”