by Rebecca Walker — July 12, 2010—A study from the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the United States Green Building Council and Sustainable Rhythm, a consulting organization that works within the commercial, office, residential, green-space and senior-housing markets, examines perspectives on green building, particularly as they relate to concerns and perceptions about cost.
The 24-page study, Opening the Door to Green Building, was issued June 18 and is based on the responses of 200 participations (90 percent in Ohio) to an online survey given in March and April. Participants were divided into four groups: owners, facility managers and real estate executives, developers and tenant leasing agents (17 percent); service firms including architects, engineers, interior designers, general contractors and trades, LEED consultants, commissioning agents, and legal/accounting and insurance professionals (59 percent); products companies including building materials and systems companies (17 percent); and government/advocacy including code officials, government agencies and nonprofit advocacy groups (7 percent).
The study focused on how the implementation of green building principles has transformed from a specialty market sector to one that is being considered across every building market. However, it found that costs remain an important sticking point. When participants were asked if there is a significant cost difference between green building and standard building products and practices, 62% said yes, 26% said no, and 12% were unsure.
However, according to the study, “those who have analyzed the market have found that in reality, there is a negligible premium or as low as a 1-2 percent premium dependent on level of green building design solutions and/or the LEED certification level pursued.”
An additional concern is the certifications and accreditations for green buildings, with 21% of respondents saying the current options.
