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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. economy added fewer jobs than anticipated in April, but the unemployment rate reached its lowest point in 17 years, according to the latest nonfarm payroll employment report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics last Friday. Total employment rose by 164,000 in April, slightly lower than economists’ predictions, but better than a comparatively lukewarm March. But the biggest takeaway from the latest figures was the jobless rate, which fell to 3.9 percent in April after sitting at 4.1 percent for six consecutive months. To dissect the latest jobs figures and some of the underlying trends, REBusinessOnline reached out to three real estate economists: Ryan Severino, chief economist of JLL; Ken McCarthy, principal economist and head of applied research for the U.S. at Cushman & Wakefield; and Steve Hovland, CEO of Hovland Real Estate Consulting. What follows are their edited responses. REBusinessOnline: Which headline number in the April jobs report released Friday, May 4 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is more significant in your view — the 164,000 increase in non-farm payroll employment or the dip in the unemployment rate to 3.9 percent, the lowest in 17 years? Please explain. Ryan Severino: The unemployment …

A growing number of commercial properties incorporate efficient attributes that exceed basic code requirements. While conserving resources, these sustainable building strategies can also enhance the owner’s bottom line by reducing operating costs. As investors consider developing or buying green properties in certain markets, though, they should consider a less obvious source of savings — their property tax bills. No single set of attributes defines a green building. Instead, sustainable structures lie on a spectrum. At one end are otherwise-conventional buildings with modest upgrades, ranging to a high end of properties employing comprehensive design and operational strategies that approach zero net consumption of energy or water. The features most commonly associated with green building tend to be efficient heating and cooling equipment, better insulation, rainwater catchment and on-site power generation methods such as solar, wind or geothermal. While rooftop solar panels garner attention, other design attributes including passive solar collection, drought-tolerant landscaping, and building-control systems can be equally effective at achieving sustainability objectives. Ultimately, each attribute adds costs to the construction or operation of a property, while not necessarily generating the same incremental gain in value. Seeking competitive edge Green design and operations have become standard for Class A properties in …