What does LEED for new construction cost?
Typically studies show that LEED buildings cost 0-2% of construction costs for a NC certification. LEED buildings should be minimally more expensive than other sustainably designed buildings. We tend to hear that “LEED” is expensive but most people compare a traditional building to a sustainably designed structure. You can’t compare apples to oranges. Many cite “sustainable elements” they would exclude if they did not LEED certify their building. You can’t compare a building that was not energy modeled, commissioned, and has little controls over systems to a building that has those sustainable benefits. And then try to justify that those features just add to the expense and don’t add any real value. These, and all sustainable elements of today’s structures add value. If you leave sustainable elements out of design and construction you can still have a great building, it may just not be as sustainable as those that meet the standards set forth by the USGBC.
