It was this developer's goal to build the most sustainable office building ever, and has it also be a profitable real estate investment project. His goal was to achieve the living building challenge of a zero-carbon footprint. The design and construction team easily accomplished LEED platinum certification. The five-story spec office building over two stories of underground parking garage cost $1,200 per square foot. It won several local and national architectural and sustainability awards. The project was a huge success, and the developer felt he had set the standard for others to follow and was proud of the investment and legacy he had established for his children. Three years later, the building is still 75% vacant. The rent the developer needs to cover his financial pro forma is so high that although potential tenants appreciate his sustainability accomplishments, they cannot afford the price tag. The potential tenants also have strict sustainability maintenance rules and practices they must adhere to.

a) Was this a successful real estate development project?

b) Starting all over, how could all of the developer's goals be accomplished? c) What would you recommend he do now?