According to a study by the Capital E Group, the Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory, and a host of other planning and development entities, “green” buildings, although three percent higher in construction costs, pay for themselves ten times over.

The basis of “green” or “sustainable” building is simple…promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. Green buildings are constructed using energy, water, materials, and land, much more efficiently than buildings that are simply built to code.

Many of today’s construction practices, land use patterns, and buildings and are not sustainable. Such buildings are not only designed without the earth in mind, they also neglect their occupants. As architectural and environmental issues intertwine, and as more consumers demand buildings that are cheaper to cool and heat, that are nicer to live in, and are more earth-friendly, the time for green building has arrived.

By constructing a building under green guidelines, healthier work, learning, and living environments are created. From an employee and student standpoint, improved levels of physical and mental wellness, comfort, and productivity are achieved through these modern designs, which incorporate the use of more natural light and cleaner air. Energy savings alone exceed the average increased cost associated with building green. These buildings are cost-effective, saving taxpayer dollars by reducing operation and maintenance expenses and by lowering utility bills.

The California report concluded that financial benefits of green design are between $50 and $70 per square foot in a “Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design” (LEED) building— over 10 times the additional cost associated with building green. LEED is a program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, and is a self-assessing system designed for rating the environmental performance from a “whole building” perspective for new and existing commercial, institutional, and high-rise residential buildings. Based on established scientific standards, LEED emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

With perfect timing, Maryland recently launched a new $25 million tax credit program that will provide incentives for developers to construct or retrofit energy-efficient buildings. The Green Building Tax Credit, administered through the Maryland Energy Administration, passed during the 2001 General Assembly with a total allocation of $25 million through the year 2011.

The Green Building Tax Credit will allow developers to offset the slightly higher cost of design and construction. Even with higher construction costs, the payback period in energy savings alone is usually less than 10 years. Over the life span of a typical office building, this can save millions.

The built environment has a profound impact on our natural environment, as well as our overall health, economy, and productivity. Utilizing green building initiatives is not just healthy, it’s fiscally prudent.