Page 166 - Green Building Through Integrated Design

142 COSTS OF GREEN BUILDINGS

Courtesy of Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd.

Gross Costs and Net Costs

Because architects and engineers tend to think like design professionals and not own-
ers, they often overlook the difference between gross costs and net costs in determin-
ing whether to accept or reject sustainable design measures, to the detriment of the
project. For example, underfloor air distribution systems cost more, typically $4 to
$7 per square foot, on a gross basis. However, by bringing power and data cabling
directly to each work station, they eliminate the need for systems furniture that is pre-
wired. This furniture can cost, let’s say $1000 (or more, compared with standard par-
titions) per 150 square foot (gross area) work station, a cost of $6.67 per square foot.
The problem is that furniture is in the “FFE” budget and not the base building budget,
so this potential cost offset often gets overlooked in early design considerations, even
though in many cases the same building owner is paying for both costs. A good exam-
ple of “penny-wise and pound-foolish,” don’t you think? Here’s another example:
rainwater harvesting and reuse not only can contribute 6 to 8 LEED points (similar to
the green roof example above), but also can reduce storm sewer system connection