Green construction much less costly than believed

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Key players in real estate and construction often misjudge the costs and benefits of “green” buildings. That creates a major barrier to more energy-efficient buildings, finds a study by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

Respondents to a 1,400-person global survey estimated the additional cost of building green at 17% above conventional construction, more than triple the true cost difference of about 5%. Respondents also said buildings account for 19% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions, whereas the actual figure is 40%.

The findings are disclosed in a new report, “Energy Efficiency in Buildings: Business Realities and Opportunities.” The report summarizes the first phase of the WBCSD’s Energy Efficiency in Buildings Project, a three-year initiative to assess the environmental impacts of buildings and develop means to achieve zero net energy use for residential and commercial buildings. Zero net energy buildings will reduce demand by design, be highly efficient and generate at least as much energy as they consume.

“Existing technologies combined with commonsense design can increase energy efficiency by 35% and reduce heating costs by 80% for the average building in industrialized markets,” says George David, chairman and CEO of United Technologies Corp., which co-chairs the WBCSD project.

Bruno Lafont, chairman and CEO of Lafarge, the project’s other co-chair, says 80% to 85% of a building’s total energy consumption and CO2 emissions come from heating, cooling, ventilation and hot water use. “Combining the right materials when designing a building envelope can greatly reduce a building’s energy requirements, increase its life span and ensure consistent performance over time,” he said.