Ruthann Baler

The preconceived notion that building green costs more than using traditional construction materials is debunked in “Greening Our Built World: Costs, Benefits and Strategies” by author Gregory Kats.  

Through two and a half years of in-depth research, Kats developed the largest database on costs and benefits of green buildings and design, working with more than 100 architects and looking at a mix of commercial buildings, schools, higher education, healthcare, and performing arts facilities. From the 350 green buildings he and his team chose to review, 170 returned comprehensive data on costs.  

Just some of his findings include:  

Green building means greater competitiveness and jobs 

Many don’t understand that buildings are the largest users of energy and sources of CO2.  

The green technology available can lead the country (cost effectively) to zero-net energy buildings and do it within a decade. By 2010, 15 percent of all commercial buildings can be green, and 50 percent in 2015.  

His book is available at  http://www.islandpress.org/Kats.