Comments on Sustainability@UIC: MythBusting LEED Construction Costs & Benefits

These projects are wonderful to be a part of on so...

2010-11-27T22:35:21.381-06:00

These projects are wonderful to be a part of on so many different levels. First of all the contractor's contribution towards sustaining our environment. The homeowners are often so gratified by the end result and their own efforts to be environmentally conscious. As well it creates a unique change of pace for many of us in the construction industry. I believe when we begin to see the products become more affordable these projects will become mainstream.

Having been in the Albuquerque Roofing business for over twenty years, and using several variations of "green" products during that time, I can tell you that the upfront costs are often too prohibitive in the end user's eyes, and that economics are the biggest factor keeping green products out of the mainstream. Most people aren't willing to put their money where their mouth is.

Sustainable building is a critical moving forward....

2010-07-27T05:14:23.946-05:00

Sustainable building is a critical moving forward...but LEED certification is overkill in my opinion.

http://www.buyersutopia.com

The flip side of this, however, is that green cons...

2009-12-16T13:10:53.859-06:00

The flip side of this, however, is that green construction often relies on technology which requires user training and is subject to failure. As someone who worked in the construction industry for years as a building automation software developer, I can say that very, very few building owners are willing to put the required backend work into their energy efficient systems (commissioning, training, maintenance, etc.).