LEED Stories from Practice Article: Quantifying Sustainability

HOW TO DETERMINE THE VALUE OF GREEN BUILDINGS

To accurately determine the value of sustainability, one must analyze if the costs to design, construct, operate, and maintain a building are offset by long-term energy, operating savings, and intangible benefits. The innovative LEED projects highlighted in this eight-page article illustrate how sustainability adds value not only in terms of quantifiable benefits, but also qualitative ones. Learn how Liberty Centre (LEED for Existing Buildings) in Portland, Oregon, and Chartwell School (LEED for New Construction) in Seaside, California, accomplished benefits including decreased energy and maintenance costs, as well as qualitative outcomes such as increased community profile, support of organizational mission, and educational opportunities for staff, tenants, and students.

Earn CEs by purchasing the associated quiz