“There is no better atmosphere in which to promote and create sustainable architectural solutions than a school. Forest Hills Eastern High School embraces <strong>the</strong>se solutions in Western Michigan.” - J. Michael Washburn, Superintendent Forest Hills case study, pg 62
Executive Summary <strong>Green</strong> buildings use resources–energy, water, materials, and land–more efficiently and effectively than buildings that are simply built to code. <strong>Green</strong> developers and builders create healthier working, learning, and living environments with more natural light and cleaner air. Working and living in such buildings improves occupant health, com<strong>for</strong>t, and productivity. By building green, developers save money by reducing construction costs and creating sustainable buildings that are in high demand. Owners save money by reducing operation and maintenance costs, lowering utility bills, and increasing occupant productivity. In Michigan and elsewhere, common misperceptions persist, claiming that green buildings cost more than traditional ones and that <strong>the</strong>re is no market <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>m. Some people think that green buildings will not “work” in Michigan. This Michigan-specific handbook dispels <strong>the</strong>se misperceptions and demonstrates that <strong>the</strong> cost premium <strong>for</strong> green buildings is minimal. Many green buildings cost less in <strong>the</strong> long-term and help create healthier social and natural environments. <strong>Green</strong> development has thrived in Michigan <strong>for</strong> over a decade now, as is evident from <strong>the</strong> case studies included in this handbook. Over <strong>the</strong> last few years, <strong>the</strong> green building movement has gained momentum and attention nationally and now in <strong>the</strong> state of Michigan. The United States <strong>Green</strong> <strong>Building</strong> Council (<strong>US</strong>GBC), a national non-profit organization, has grown dramatically in membership and its Leadership in Energy and <strong>Environmental</strong> Design (LEED) rating system has been adopted nationally and internationally as <strong>the</strong> de facto green building standard. Positive consensus is almost universal on <strong>the</strong> environmental and social benefits of green buildings. Lately, consensus is emerging on <strong>the</strong> financial benefits of green buildings as well. Published studies emphasize that capital costs <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>se buildings range from significantly executive summary 3 less than to slightly more than comparable buildings, with an average premium of 2% (Source: The Costs and Benefits of <strong>Green</strong> <strong>Building</strong>s). As <strong>the</strong> number of green building projects continues to rise, costs will continue to drop, and this modest premium will likely evaporate. The notion that green buildings cost significantly more than traditional buildings is due to <strong>the</strong> learning curve with regard to sustainable technologies, and an imprecise definition of green buildings. Costs <strong>for</strong> green buildings continue to decrease as materials become standard and practitioners become more proficient in new technologies. Perceptions of “green” also are changing: people are realizing that sustainable technologies need not be exotic or expensive, and green buildings need not be visibly different than o<strong>the</strong>r buildings unless so desired. <strong>Green</strong> buildings are simply products of intelligent, integrated design that meet or surpass <strong>the</strong> requirements of any standard development project. The market in Michigan has begun to realize <strong>the</strong> real financial benefits of <strong>the</strong>se projects, and <strong>the</strong> environmental and social benefits highlight developers’ and owners’ concerns <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir employees and society at large. The state of Michigan stands at <strong>the</strong> <strong>for</strong>efront in developing green buildings and continues to develop resources and support <strong>for</strong> green building activities. Michigan ranks eighth nationally <strong>for</strong> green development projects in progress and sixth nationally <strong>for</strong> LEED-certified projects (Source: <strong>US</strong>GBC LEED registered and certified projects). Throughout Michigan, private developers, public companies, government agencies, and educational institutions are adopting green building practices. The case studies in this handbook highlight examples from across <strong>the</strong> state, demonstrating how different organizations and agencies plan, design, and benefit from green buildings.
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