Green Building Cost Study

Morrisania Homes is a LEED for Homes Silver rated affordable housing development.

Many of the studies on the cost of green building that currently exist consistently suggest that the cost premium for building green is moderate, and far less than what many people once thought. These studies address general perceptions but have not answered many questions about the cost of green building in places like New York City.

For this reason, Urban Green Council, in conjunction with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, has commissioned the Davis Langdon firm to analyze the cost of building green in New York City. This local study will replicate Davis Langdon's national study, which found no statistical difference in the cost per square foot between green and non-green buildings.

The study further demonstrated that there is a range in costs for all buildings, green or otherwise, and that it is possible to build green within whatever budget is set.  The New York Green Building Cost Study is expected to be completed by early 2009.