“Cost savings can significantly outweigh premiums to build,” said Michael Reagan, director of science and technology at Burt Hill, an architecture/design firm with experience in building “green” facilities for college and university campuses. “Many presidents may not realize this, but building ‘green’ could save them as much as $5 million over the next 20 years.”

Reagan, along with Richard Miller, Jr., president of Hartwick College (NY), discussed the bottom line of building “green” campus facilities (facilities built to maximize environmental, resource-efficient features) during a Presidents Institute session.

“Presidents are looking more at financial cost, rather than what’s nifty,” said President Miller, to the agreement of many presidents who attended the session.

Building something “green,” or using a particular “green” element, said Reagan, is becoming easier and more cost-efficient than ever before. Cost premiums associated with “green” buildings are typically negated when annual operating and maintenance costs are considered.

During the session, Reagan explained the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. Introduced by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2000, the LEED standards provide a cutting-edge rating system for designing, constructing, and certifying the world’s “greenest” buildings. LEED projects can already be found in all 50 states, including on many college and university campuses, and in 12 other countries.

LEED-optimized buildings far outperform ordinary buildings. Bottom line impacts include reduced operating costs (28-48 percent greater energy efficiency), improved occupant comfort and performance (20 percent better student performance and a reduction in health care costs from elements such as indoor air pollution), and positive ecological impact for the campus and surrounding community (reduced waste, lower-emission materials, and more eco-friendly construction). Additionally, institutions that apply LEED standards may qualify for tax incentives and land use incentives.

“‘Green’ building technologies are proven,” Reagan stressed. “‘Green’ design can be done economically and result in high-performance facilities.”

View presentation slides from the Building “Green” session.