Request Refusal: Greening the Office Hines, an international real estate firm, has developed a green office program designed to enhance the sustainable features and operation of its 230 offices on four continents. Its program, called HinesGO (short for Hines Green Office), helps identify and implement no-cost and low-cost green alternatives for standard indoor office environments. What's outstanding about the HinesGo program is its emphasis on improvements that can be achieved at minimal cost. For example, installation of occupancy light sensors can save enough money to offset the up-front investment.

Scored on a scale of 100, offices are evaluated in seven categories: energy efficiency; people and atmosphere; travel and commuting; reduce, reuse, and recycle; cleaning and pest control; remodeling and construc- tion; and LEED and/or ENERGY STAR. (LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system.) When a specific strategy has been implemented in the HinesGo program, participants earn Leaf Credits.

Although its HinesGO program was initially intended for Hines offices only, the program generated so much attention that other busi- nesses now want to duplicate its success. As a manager at Hines in charge of communication for HinesGo, you receive numerous invitations to speak to groups interested in creating greener workplace choices.

However, you can't always accept. The most recent invitation came from Florida, where a group of realtors wants you to tell them about the HinesGO program. You were invited to speak October 12, but you are booked up. You don't see an opening until sometime in late January.

Your Task. Prepare a letter that refuses the invitation but suggests an alternative and promotes the HinesGO program. Send your letter to Donna Payne, Society of Commercial Realtors of Greater Fort Lauderdale, 1765 NE 26th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305.