The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Sustainable Building

Studying the costs and benefits of sustainable initiatives is of paramount importance as educational leaders continue to face shrinking budgets for building maintenance, operation and construction.  As a result, many educational leaders are asking if the benefits of green design outweigh the costs of green premiums.  While, the additional costs of building greed are given substantially more attention than potential benefits, educational leaders need to examine the cumulative financial benefits over the building's life-cycle rather than the up-front costs alone.  The financial benefits of building green outweigh costs 20 to 1 as green premiums are typically covered by energy savings alone.  Considering costs and benefits across the life-cycle of sustainable buildings, as well as multiple monetized and non-monetized indicators, may provide a valuable approach by which to consider investing in green building.  In addition to financial savings, health and environmental benefits have identified sustainable building as fiscally prudent and lower risk than conventional building.  Educational leaders and industry professionals are encouraged to attend this session to analyze the costs and benefits to sustainable building design.