FAQs

What is the advantage of LEED vs. just a sustainability cost saving program?

LEED certified buildings are marketable because they are LEED certified. LEED has many comprehensive tools available for use to evaluate, and quantify the results of a certification process, thus determining the cost effectiveness of a specific strategy, based on either simple payback, or ROI.

The upfront cost seems large. When will I see a return on my investment?

Most companies will see a double digit percentage of energy and water use savings within the first year. The ROI is usually within 2 years as well, resulting in continued annual savings afterwards. Additionally, employees are healthier, happier and more productive, so there are tangible savings there as well.

How much does LEED certification cost?

The registration fee to the Green Building Certification Institute is a flat fee of $1,200.
Certification fees depend on the square footage of the building itself. The average certification fee is $2,000. This does not include the soft costs of consultants, or hard costs of any needed retro fits.

How long does it take to certify a building?

LEED is a very comprehensive program. It depends on the amount of modifications and retro fits needed, as well as a 12 month performance period for evaluation purposes when it comes to the "Operations & Maintenance" of an existing building. The time tends to go by rather quickly.

How much time will I need to commit to this process?

Hopefully, not much. That’s why you hire us to do all of the work for you. There will be occasional times where you will need to make a decision; however, it is our job to keep you informed, and to advise you of the best options to fit your needs and goals.