Experts say Now is the Time to Build Green
Southern Homes Weekly, Savannah Morning News
December 7, 2008

Experts say now is the time to build green, as energy costs seem likely to rise in the future and green building products continue to expand and become affordable. The market has hit the nexus where utility savings are essential, new products and processes now make implementation more practical, and the public sees the environmental importance of green building.

“It’s easy to see that people have figured out that acting ‘green’ saves green,” said Michael Frey of Savannah-based sustainable real estate development company Melaver, Inc. “Whether it’s driving less or the construction of a green building, each saves money in the long run by consuming less.”

“We are currently engaged in sustainability consulting services because of an increased interest and demand for buildings that are healthier for occupants and the environment - as well as consuming less resources,” Frey said. “Melaver’s continued practice as a sustainable developer has allowed us to use practical knowledge and experience to offer high performance buildings which do not cost more to build and save significantly in operation costs.”

David Freedman has seen interest in green building grow since the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has built seven LEED buildings that average 30 percent energy savings and 45 percent water savings over a normal building. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the internationally-recognized standard for environmentally friendly high performance, low water and energy use buildings awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council.

“We’re building these high-performance green buildings and we’re accomplishing it on the same budget” as non-green state buildings, said Freedman, Director of Engineering and Construction for DNR.

People have been paying attention to the cost savings from green buildings, and several state departments are now building green after being inspired by the DNR’s success. Freedman, who is the Director of Engineering and Construction for DNR, says there has been a marketplace transformation thanks in part to education and training by the USGBC.

“There’s no question” there’s been a market transformation, Freedman said. Architects, engineers, construction experts and building owners understand the value of green building, and more professionals are trained in it.

“You can definitely build a high-performance green building for the same cost as a normal building,” Freedman said. Even LEED-certified green buildings can be built without costing more. “If you start out from the beginning and hire a competent team experienced in green building and use an integrated design approach where all members of the team meet and collaborate, then you can do a LEED building for cost-neutral,” Freedman said.

Utility bills and environmental consciousness aren’t the only appeal of green buildings.

 “Occupants are more productive and are happier in green buildings,” Freedman said, because of better indoor air quality and more natural light. Some state departments are looking at green offices, dorms and classrooms because of the better indoor environment. Studies have shown green buildings lead to increased productivity and lower absenteeism.