Economic Benefits

Save Green By Going Green

A recent study in Portland and Seattle that compared certified home values to conventional home values showed that Portland certified homes fetched 3-5% more than conventional, while Seattle homes commanded up to 10% more. The most recent RMLS data for greater Portland and Vancouver, Washington (May 2010) shows the average new home sold for 18% more than a conventional home, while the average existing certified home fetched a sales price of 23% more than a conventional home, even during a slow market. This is good news for builders and homeowners.

• Lower Your Energy Costs

The energy-saving features in a certified green home reduce energy consumption by at least 15% compared to a home built to code, and often reduce costs considerably more. Certified projects are constructed as a system, combining insulation, high R-value windows, weather sealing, efficient hot water heating and other features that minimize energy use. Certified commercial buildings are also designed to exceed standard building practices and minimum code requirements in important areas such as health, materials, land and water use. Green home owners and building occupants can expect to see lower energy bills and lower water bills.

• Lower Your Maintenance Costs

Certified structures are tightly sealed, well framed, allow maximum air circulation, and use durable materials. This means that building and home maintenance costs over the lifetime of the structure can be greatly reduced – the building is less susceptible to moisture, rot, and mold and requires fewer replacement parts.

• Builders Save, Too

Builders and developers can get paid to build green. There are many financial incentives to sustainable construction. When a builder’s home or a developer’s building achieves certification, they are eligible for a variety of financial incentives that cover – and can surpass – the cost of the certification fee. When this is added to the sales premium that is often paid for the certified building, builders find it more advantageous to build green.