Green Light on Green Development

Garden areas consist of native plants. Reclaimed stormwater is used to water the plants.

Green engineers and contractors report that design and construction at the level of "basic" LEED certification costs about the same as traditional building — with the exception of photovoltaic panels. The panels are one reason why reaching LEED platinum certification more expensive, although costs are beginning to come down.

Meanwhile, clients who analyze costs over the life of a new building will find green design and construction not just comparable, but cheaper, experts say. "Looking at total lifecycle costs is key," says Darren Fancher, a mechanical engineer with the Florida Department of Management Services who has led Florida's effort to reduce lifetime energy use and costs in state-owned buildings.

In 2008, the Legislature passed the Sustainable Buildings Act requiring all state agencies to adopt some sort of ratings system, such as LEED, the Florida Green Building Coalition's matrix, the Green Globes or another. The first projects built under the new law have had a remarkable impact on energy use and costs. For example, building the new Department of Revenue complex in Tallahassee green saved taxpayers $281,630 in energy costs over the past year, thanks to sustainable design practices and a highly efficient air-conditioning system.

Building green is not only about saving money and resources. The health of people who live and work in the buildings is also key. In Miami, law firm Bilzin Sumberg last fall moved its 230 employees into a 36-story LEED gold office tower called 1450 Brickell. The firm will savemoney over time from more efficient operations and lower energy and water bills. But more than any other factor, says managing partner John Sumberg, the partners chose their new digs for the quality of the workspace. As just one example, Sumberg describes natural lighting and ease of reading as significantly improved — crucial for lawyers. Everything at work — from carpet to paint to furniture and cleaning supplies — is non-toxic.

"I can't tell you how many people didn't have to call in sick today or didn't have to take a Claritin today because we moved into this building," says Sumberg. "But I feel certain that people are healthier — and I know that people are happier."

The roof of the Headquarter Honda car dealership in Clermont integrates vegetation and a photovoltaic solar panel system. It is the first LEED platinum-certified dealership in Florida. [Photo: Headquarter Honda]