As far as construction costs, how does green building compare with similar-sized projects?
PAQUETTE: Each of the two programs that I mentioned above has various levels of approval that allow structures to be certified as a “Green” building. At the lower levels of certification – Bronze or Silver – the additional construction costs could be between 1 percent and 3 percent. As a client looks to achieve a higher level of approval those additional costs will rise. I judged a green affordable-housing competition, sponsored by Mayor [David N.] Cicilline and the City of Providence, recently. (READ MORE) And the incremental costs to have these homes certified as green represented between 2 percent and 4 percent of additional construction costs. These additional costs would have been offset by the energy savings, durability and low maintenance designed into these structures. At a recent presentation by Rhode Island College, at a USGBC meeting, a new dormitory that was constructed and certified LEED had less than a 2-percent cost impact. PBN: Are Rhode Island builders picking up green
