Many people still believe that green buildings are significantly more expensive than normal structures, but in reality they are the opposite of that. Building green buildings costs 2% more on average, but they save between 14 and 19 percent on operating expenses. Sustainable real estate investments can generate positive returns in just a few months or years thanks to these savings. The initial cost of adding green features to buildings is generally offset by savings in operating and maintenance costs, as they are designed to operate more efficiently.
Numerous studies carried out in this field indicate that green buildings consume between 25 and 35% less energy than non-green buildings. Its operating and maintenance cost is 14% lower than that of its traditional counterparts. In addition, reducing energy consumption can save 20% of the initial cost of building green buildings every year. These long-term savings in energy costs (operating and maintenance costs) offset the initial cost of installing green design elements, which can lead to a shorter payback period (as little as 3 to 5 years) to return the initial expense of such investment in green buildings (originally believed to reach 15 to 20 years).
The data also shows that, compared to conventional buildings, green buildings have a 14% lower impact on the environment and the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from green buildings is between 18 and 85% lower than that of their non-green counterparts. However, green construction offers many more benefits in addition to operating cost savings. Green buildings are often seen as more comfortable with a healthier indoor environment and better air quality. The data shows that almost 99% of the occupants of green buildings are satisfied with the quality of their indoor environment, compared to only 50% of the occupants of conventional buildings.
These high rates of occupant satisfaction tend to lead to better productivity (with 33% higher scores on cognitive tests compared to occupants of non-green buildings). Numerous studies also indicate that green buildings are becoming increasingly popular, with a 6% higher occupancy level and 2% more rent, which can significantly increase the market value of green properties. In general, green buildings seem like an excellent alternative to conventional buildings with more efficient energy performance, lower utility bills, lower operating and maintenance costs, a healthier indoor environment, better air quality, higher productivity and higher market value. So is green building worth the initial cost? Do future savings exceed the initial cost? Is green building affordable? The answers are “YES”, “YES” and “YES”.
Green buildings can be both sustainable and affordable. Email (will not be published) (required) Subscribe to the latest news and updates from the sustainabilists' weekly. A study conducted by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) indicates that the cost of installing green building elements and technologies is significantly overestimated, since research participants perceived that the initial cost of a green building is, on average, 17% higher than the original cost of a similar traditional building. A green building isn't just a more expensive version of a conventional building, and the features of a green building aren't just expensive add-ons to buildings.
As the market evolves and regulations become more stringent, greenhouse gases from commercial buildings will no longer be accepted as inevitable externalities and green buildings will become the norm. The main components of a green building are a sustainable climate system, energy-efficient lighting, good insulation, passive design elements that improve efficiency and on-site renewable energy sources. This trend is also supported by the growing interest on the part of companies in complying with ESG regulations and the general demand of tenants to live and work in green buildings. However, he said, “the long answer is more complex because the definition of green building is subjective.
Depending on how green your building is (green specification), you'll save 25 to 40% of operating costs after the first few years. In addition, they found that 44% of the organizations surveyed were willing to pay a premium to lease a certified green building. Commercial property owners can be leaders in the sustainable commercial construction movement, especially with solar energy. In addition, there are other financial benefits of green buildings, such as higher asset values, rental income, occupancy rate and productivity.
Data shows that more than 60% of people believe that the cost of green building practices and processes is considerably higher than that of conventional construction. The common perception is that building green buildings costs more and is therefore not the best way to approach affordable housing plans. While the world continues to defend the idea, many have the misconception of increasing costs by building green buildings. However, green design will soon be the norm rather than the exception, and homeowners who choose not to invest in green buildings could miss the opportunity to distinguish their commercial properties.
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