The Cost of Going Green

Peter Morris, in the Pension Real Estate Association Quarterly (2007), asks the question “what does green really cost?” In his opinion, this is a faulty and loaded question. He believes for companies, the question should not be about the cost, but about the process. By having a good process, in his research, the premiums for going green are less costly than assumed. In fact, he states that there is “evidence in the marketplace that reasonable levels of sustainable design can be incorporated into most building types at little or no additional cost” (p. 55).

Another question a company should ask prior to adding green to their buildings is “what will green cost me?” Morris thinks that trying to examine other companies and/or look at add-on features is not a good strategy for planning because location, elevation, climate, building design, etc. can all affect what the cost of going green will be. Most buildings are not alike in every way.

So, the process for any company going green is to examine their green goals. Morris suggests looking at different green certifications that exist in the marketplace. A well-known certification is the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system sponsored by the US Green Building Council. This system examines the site, water efficiency, energy output, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. A building can be certified, silver, gold, or platinum-rated. Green Globes is also a certification that examines a building’s carbon footprint in examining the energy efficiency.

Overall, once goals are established, a strategic plan and team must be created that incorporates all members. Meaning, construction teams, design teams, contractors, etc. should all be part of the planning process to ensure the building functions as a whole, rather than its parts. A well-designed building with green materials that has poor day-lighting or has window leaks does not function as an efficient, green building.