The Economic Benefits of Building Green
Most people who build green buildings are not the tree hugging type that are doing it to save the environment and the migratory patterns of local bird life. It’s ok to admit that there is a financial incentive to – in the end – doing the right thing. One of the nice things about LEED certification is that it doesn’t only look at the impact a building has on the environment and local ecology but also at the impact it has on the individuals using the building.
Green buildings should have better air quality, less contaminants throughout, no irritating off gassing from furniture or carpets, more natural light and individual control over temperature and illumination. The ergonomics of a building become as important as it’s carbon footprint. Studies have shown that workers in these buildings are more productive and miss less work for illness.
Think about this…On average in the United States, the cost of utilities in commercial buildings on a per square foot basis is about $3 annually. So if you spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to install solar panels and increase insulation and use the best glass for your windows in order to save 50% on your utilities you will be saving about $1.50 per square foot. The average cost of salaries and benefits – meaning people – is roughly $330 per square foot. If a single employee, misses just one less day of work because they are in a healthier environment, it’s a savings of $3 per square foot. It seems to make a whole lot of sense to go green.
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