Balancing Sustainability and Cost

[jar546]

As we move towards a more sustainable future, building codes increasingly incorporate green building practices. However, this often comes with higher upfront costs. How do we balance the need for sustainability with the economic realities of construction? What are your experiences with the implementation of sustainable practices in your projects, and how have you managed the cost implications?

 

[steveray]

By making sure any new code changes have an accurate fiscal note as to the effect on construction costs and an ROI where feasible...Building quality IS building sustainable....Regardless of any buzzwords....

 

[Yikes]

In the 90’s we installed leaky windows in new HUD affordable housing. At prevailing wage, it was $75-80k per dwelling unit.
Since then, we upgraded to super tight vinyl windows, QII insulation procedures, blower testing, etc.

The units began to experience indoor air quality problems because they were so airtight, so now we have upgraded to continuous running whole-house bathroom fans, multi-speed with motion and humidity sensors. And because we can’t rely on people to open the window for fresh air, we’ve punch a whole in the exterior wall and installed an OSA intake.
Units now cost $500-880k apiece.

Did I mention that the bath fans have to be equipped with a switch and a sign that says some thing like “shut off only during poor quality outside air”?

I dunno, maybe we could accomplish the same fresh air goals by reverting back to the cheap low-tech leaky windows, and use the savings build a few more affordable housing units instead?

 

[mtlogcabin]

As we move towards a more sustainable future,

That's an all encompassing phrase with a continuing moving agenda.

I agree with steveray, The codes should be geared towards constructing a sustainable building. The Green Codes can result in the opposite if the systems installed are not properly maintained or when replaced in 10 years with a lesser piece of equipment.

 

[steveray]

In the 90’s we installed leaky windows in new HUD affordable housing. At prevailing wage, it was $75-80k per dwelling unit.
Since then, we upgraded to super tight vinyl windows, QII insulation procedures, blower testing, etc.

The units began to experience indoor air quality problems because they were so airtight, so now we have upgraded to continuous running whole-house bathroom fans, multi-sp-ed with motion and humidity sensors. And because we can’t rely on people to open the window for fresh air, we’ve punch a whole in the exterior wall and installed an OSA intake.
Units now cost $500-880k apiece.

Did I mention that the bath fans have to be equipped with a switch and a sign that says some thing like “shut off only during poor quality outside air”?

I dunno, maybe we could just revert back to low-tech leaky windows and build a few more affordable housing units instead?

The 90's were 3 decades ago......(And I miss them)....