"“We have certainly found in our green research over the years that the concern about and expected increase in cost reported often exceeds that demonstrated by studies of actual cost,” Laquidara-Carr says. “In addition, more experience with green building in our studies has also correlated directly with lower additional first costs for building green, so experience is also a key factor.”
She says focusing on “perceived” first costs gives the building industry two points to address: “The need for greater education about how affordably green projects can be built and additional green resources in developing markets to help reduce any incremental cost increase to building green that may be present.”"
Lower Operating Costs Is No. 1 Reason to Build Green, ‘Perceived’ Higher Costs Is Biggest Obstacle