Green on a Budget

Part Three of a Three-Part Series

There are ways to be green without spending the green. Although many green building options have lower construction and operational costs than conventional approaches, the designers that pursue higher degrees of sustainability are challenged by initial costs. To achieve the highest level of sustainability within budget, begin the design by implementing strategies, systems, materials and products that have a lower initial cost. Typically, the following strategies cost less than conventional, nonsustainable strategies. However, under certain circumstances, some may cost slightly more. As in the 1970s when energy costs started to substantially rise and everything became “energy-efficient,” everything today is becoming “green.” As a result, it is critical for the environmentally concerned designer to engage in a deeper level of analysis.