Environmentally friendly construction costs dramatically lower than commonly believed

[eridani]

http://www.manufacturing.net/article.aspx?id=146970

A study sponsored in part by Hartford-based United Technologies Corp. suggests that the costs of environmentally friendly construction are dramatically lower than previously believed.

The study by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development has found that some major players in real estate and construction are way off in trying to assess the costs and benefits of so-called ''green'' buildings.

Those responding to a global survey estimated the additional cost of green construction to be about 17 percent above normal costs, more than triple the actual cost difference of 5 percent.

The survey also found that those questioned put greenhouse emissions at 19 percent, when the actual number is double that.

The study is co-sponsored by United Technologies and French building materials company Lafarge SA.