| There is a widely held perception that the capital cost of green building is significantly greater than conventional building. This thesis considers the economics of green building in Canada by assessing the capital cost premium of five case study buildings in five different provinces across Canada, including buildings certified to the LEED(TM) Green Building Rating System. It includes the outcome of an e-Dialogue with Canadian green building experts; a brief discussion of sustainability, the impact of buildings on the environment, the concept of economic externalities, and green building activities in Canada; definitions of green building, sustainable building and restorative building; a description of the integrated design process; and a discussion of the case study results and similar research in the United States. There is a strong economic case for green building, and the thesis highlights seven keys to cost effective green building. It also provides recommendations for policymakers and researchers. |
