"The business case for green buildings is solid, no matter whether one builds directly for a corporate client or constructs speculative office or commercial space. 

By 2012, certified green buildings will hold the dominant market share of new commercial buildings. 

Now is the time to begin getting experience … "

Most people think the business case for green buildings is purely economic or financial, but we the business case actually rests on five legs:

(1) economics, (2) risk management, (3) marketing, (4) government relations, and (5) employee relations. 

Further, there are at least 10 major benefits of green buildings, each of which could be assigned to at least one of these five legs:

1. Energy and water cost savings;
2. Increased building valuation from higher profits owing to savings;
3. Possible incentive payments from government and utilities;
4. Increased rent and occupancy;
5. Productivity and health benefits for office occupants;
6. Risk management (economic, financial, market, legal, political, etc.)
7. Marketing and public relations;
8. Increase in reputation value for public companies;
9. Recruitment and retention of key personnel; and

10.  Access to capital from responsible party investing funds.