It Pays to Go Green

A study conducted by 40 California agencies suggests that investments into green building technologies pay for themselves 10 times over.

The study, conducted by the Capital E Group, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and multiple California state agencies, is said to be the most comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of building green to date. It incorporated data from 100 green buildings as well as an in-depth review of several hundred existing studies.

According to the report, savings of $50 to $70 per sq. ft. can be achieved in a LEED building, over 10 times the additional cost associated with building green. The savings can be attributed to lower energy, waste and water costs; lower environmental and emissions costs; lower operational and maintenance costs; and increased productivity and health.

“The report should permanently lay to rest the myth that green buildings are not cost effective and not ready for prime time,” said Greg Kats, a principal at Capital E and the report’s lead author.

Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our WTWH Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.