Mother Earth Living

Build Green, Save Green: The Cost (and Savings) of Green Building

Discover the long-term benefits of building a sustainable home.
By Natural Home Staff
September/October 2004


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Think it costs too much to incorporate ecological measures into homes or buildings? Think again. It actually saves money in the long run, according to a report by California’s Sustainable Building Task Force.

2%
Average additional amount it costs to construct a green building compared to a conventional one.

$3-$5
Additional cost per square foot to construct a green building.

5-15%
Cost premium for green buildings five years ago.

$1 million
Estimated savings over twenty years when $100,000 worth of green building features are invested into a $5 million building project. (That’s ten times the savings of the initial investment.)

$50-$75
Per square foot savings of a green building over twenty years.

20-30%
Amount builders can reduce building energy consumption while sticking to a budget. (Wisconsin Green Building Alliance)

7%
Increase in worker productivity following a move to a green, daylit facility. (Environmental Design & Construction, July/August 2000)

Download the report: CIWMB.ca.gov/ greenbuilding/design 


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