Architect Zyscovich looks to green projects

As the recession drags on business and forces layoffs at Zyscovich Architects, founder Bernard Zyscovich believes sustainable construction can offer help in tough times. Pine Jog Elementary in Palm Beach County, one of the firm’s latest projects, became the first South Florida school to be certified gold by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system. Kyle Abney, president of the U.S. Green Building Council’s South Florida chapter, said that in 2005, there were eight commercial projects registered for LEED certification in South Florida. Last year there were 123, and 2009 is on pace for a similar tally, despite the market drop. The area green building council membership has more than quadrupled, from 150 in 2006 to 687 today.