Green Buildings Sell
The Benefits of Green Building (click for SLO Green Build Presentation on the benefits of green building, 3.4 MB)
A common question is "But doesn't 'green' building cost more?" The answer is that most basic design elements do not increase the construction cost and significantly lower operating costs from then on, year after year. These types of design elements include building orientation on the site, levels of insulation, and window size and placements. However, to exceed these basics, green design can add to the cost. According to the California state consumer agency greening a building can add an additional cost of 0-3% of the total budget. The Built Green Colorado program has reported that it costs 1-1.5% more to add green features.
Effectively integrating sustainable design elements into projects during project development and design phases can minimize building costs.
Conversely, if green design elements are considered late in the design process and designers have to "redesign" the entire project, overall costs can increase significantly.
For example, while a non-toxic finish material may cost somewhat more than the standard material, greening a home must be looked at as an integrated system. By positioning a home to take advantage of solar orientation, which does not increase the initial building cost, heating and cooling loads will be reduced while allowing for more natural lighting and ventilation. The HVAC systems then can be greatly downsized as well as reducing the amount of light fixtures and the energy needed to run them. Thus the savings from the HVAC and lighting can be used to add green features that may not lower overall costs but allow for healthier homes and outside environments.
Better for Builders and Better for Owners
For the builders creating a market niche, outlining the benefits of green building adds a strong selling point to the home. A good program recognizes builders who construct healthier more durable homes and educates homebuyers, realtors and lenders of their added features. The National Association of Home Builders recently released an article about how green building is booming with builders in this soft real estate market.
Click Here to Read Article
Another article written by Green Works Realty shows green home sales data for the greater Seattle area.
For some home buyers it may be energy savings and lower utility bills. For others, it's knowing that their home is a healthier place for their children and still for others it may be knowing that they are helping take care of the planet.
