Message from the President

Experienced brownfield practitioners have been working on contaminated-property real estate transactions since the early 1980s, well before the term “brownfields” was coined. Having enough gray hair to be considered “experienced,” I can attest to the fact that the pace of brownfields-market maturation has never been more rapid than it is today, thanks in large part to federal and state laws and regulations put into effect over the last ten years. Some of these developments have made funding easier to find. Others – like the recently passed all-appropriate inquiry (AAI) regulations – have made the world of brownfields less intimidating by reducing innocent-purchaser liability and clarifying innocent-purchaser defenses under CERCLA.

The new focus on sustainability also benefits brownfields projects, and it also affects how we plan and implement those projects. I see Institute representatives playing an exciting role “connecting the dots” with other organizations such as the U.S. Green Building Council, NAIOP, and ULI, as we ride the “green” wave together. But that’s just a start. The IBP can provide technical brownfields professionals a national voice and forum in a variety of areas going forward:

Development of state licensing of environmental professionals. Most states are struggling to recruit and retain top-flight environmental talent. Some are dealing with the situation by turning to the private sector to support them in their programs. States like Massachusetts and Connecticut have had environmental-professional licensing programs for years; a number other states are looking to develop similar programs. IBP members can play an important role by helping new states develop these programs.

Exploration of new project delivery methods. Our clients are seeking qualified consultants to put more equity or “skin” in redevelopment projects. IBP can play an important role in developing and “vetting” more equitable risk-sharing business models to meet these challenges.

Understanding the real estate development process. To be better team members, brownfield professionals need better understanding of some of the basic elements of the real estate business, from the project feasibility stage to attracting future tenants. IBP plans to facilitate on-line and other training links to help practicing professionals understand our client processes.

Professional recognition as a technical brownfields professional. As this market has matured, so, too, have the number of professionals claiming to be brownfields professionals. IBP is committed to supporting career development and raising the bar on qualifications (well beyond the AAI definition of an environmental professional) through its Registered Brownfield Professional program.

As a young volunteer based organization, IBP needs new members who want to roll-up their sleeves and get involved with initiatives to return value to the membership. IBP sees opportunities to reach out and connect with several other professional and trade organizations as a way to bring value back to the membership. Please join me. Become an active member today!

Sincerely,

 Donald W. Richardson, C.P.G., R.B.P.

President