Two newly released studies suggest that green buildings outperform their conventional counterparts in energy savings, sale prices, rental rates, and occupancy rates.

• Energy use and savings. Funded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the EPA, the New Buildings Institute study found that buildings certified by the USGBC LEED system are performing 25 to 30 percent better on average than non-LEED certified buildings in terms of energy use. NBI’s study showed a direct correlation between increasing levels of LEED certification and increased energy savings.

• Higher rent, occupancy rates. Meanwhile, a new CoStar Group study calculated that LEED buildings command rent premiums of $11.24 per square foot over non-LEED certified buildings and have 3.8 percent higher occupancy rates. The report further confirms that Energy Star buildings represent a $2.38-per-square-foot premium over comparable non-Energy Star buildings and have a 3.6 percent higher occupancy.

Source: Interior Design, Nicholas Tamarin (04/08)