What are the additional cost parameters in taking your building for green certification?

Green building certification has become increasingly popular among building owners and developers, as it helps reduce a building’s environmental impact, improve occupant health and well-being, and increase its value. However, achieving green certification requires a significant investment of time and money, as there are various parameters to be considered. In this article, we will explore the additional cost parameters in taking your building for green certification using the following parameters:

1. Fundamental Commissioning and Verification & Enhanced Commissioning: Fundamental Commissioning and Verification (FCV) and Enhanced Commissioning (ECx) are essential steps in ensuring that a building’s systems are installed, calibrated, and performing optimally. The cost for these services varies depending on the size and complexity of the building. FCV can range from $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot, and ECx can range from $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot.
2. Minimum Energy Performance & Optimize Energy Performance: Achieving the Minimum Energy Performance (MEP) and Optimize Energy Performance (OEP) credits requires additional design and construction costs, such as energy modeling, improved building envelope, efficient HVAC systems, and lighting systems. The cost for achieving MEP and OEP credits can range from $1 to $3 per square foot.
3. Minimum IAQ Performance: Achieving Minimum Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Performance requires additional costs for the selection and installation of appropriate HVAC filters and proper ventilation systems. The cost for achieving this credit can range from $0.05 to $0.10 per square foot.
4. Bicycle Facilities & Green Vehicles: Providing bicycle facilities and green vehicles for the building occupants requires additional investment in the design and construction of bike storage, shower facilities, and electric vehicle charging stations. The cost for providing bicycle facilities and green vehicles can range from $0.25 to $1 per square foot.
5. Protect or Restore Habitat & Rainwater Management: Protecting or restoring habitat and implementing rainwater management strategies require additional investment in the design and construction of landscaping, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting systems. The cost for these credits can range from $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot.
6. Heat Island Reduction: Implementing heat island reduction strategies, such as installing cool roofs and paving materials, requires additional investment in the design and construction of the building envelope and the site. The cost for this credit can range from $0.25 to $1 per square foot.
7. Water Metering & Advanced Energy Metering: Installing water and advanced energy metering systems requires additional investment in the design and construction of the building systems. The cost for water metering and advanced energy metering can range from $0.05 to $0.10 per square foot.
8. Demand Response & Renewable Energy Production: Implementing demand response and renewable energy production strategies require additional investment in the design and construction of the building systems. The cost for these credits can range from $0.50 to $3 per square foot.
9. Green Power and Carbon Offsets: Purchasing green power and carbon offsets requires additional investment in the operation and maintenance of the building. The cost for these credits can range from $0.05 to $0.20 per square foot.
10. Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction: Reducing the building’s life-cycle impact requires additional investment in the selection and installation of materials, such as recycled content and low-emitting materials. The cost for this credit can range from $0.25 to $1.50 per square foot.
11. Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies & Indoor Air Quality Assessment: Enhancing indoor air quality requires additional investment in the selection and installation of materials and the implementation of ventilation strategies. The cost for these credits can range from $0.50 to $0.60 per square foot.