At the beginning of the Green Building Movement, there has been a general perception that green buildings are more expensive to build than conventional buildings. That was primarily due to the initial inexperience of the building experts — designers, architects, engineers, painting companies and contractors. Green building design was highly-experimental in those days, with designers taking more time to incorporate the new green features.
Furthermore, green materials such as the coating systems used by painting companies cost higher then, because these products were not very abundant. In those days, few manufacturers produced low- or zero-VOCs emitting formulations.
At present, however, environment-safe buildings are less costly to build, because the green building technology has improved greatly. Builders have more experience in environment-friendly construction, manufacturers have enhanced the science of green products formulations, and painting companies have grown in knowledge and expertise of green applications.
Financial Benefits of Green Building
At each green building successfully built, builders learned important lessons and gained new knowledge that allowed the sector to gradually decrease the costs involved in building and maintaining green buildings. Below are a few of the cost benefits in maintaining a green building:
1. Reduced energy costs
Better natural lighting and heat circulation within the facility lowers electricity and gas consumption. The adoption of renewable power sources also reduces energy expenses.
2. Lower maintenance costs
Green buildings implement sustainable systems that ensure longevity of the structure, from non-toxic and resistant protective coating systems installed by painting companies, to improved thermal systems for better air circulation and ventilation.
3. Health benefits
Lesser toxic emissions and lower pollution levels increase the environmental quality of within the facility. With cleaner air, building occupants and workers are less likely to contract pollution-related illnesses that drive up health care costs.
