Malin, N (2000) The cost of green materials. Building Research & Information, 28(5-6), pp. 408-412. ISSN 0961-3218
Abstract
'Do environmentally preferable materials cost more?' This paper addresses the question and presents theoretical rationales for both affirmative and negative answers. Clarifications for the terms 'environmentally preferable' and 'cost' are offered in order to explore the question more thoroughly, introducing the ideas of life-cycle costs and societal costs in addition to initial capital cost. The implicit basis for comparison is dissected, revealing implications both for conventional and green products. It is shown that the cost of green materials need not dictate the cost of green buildings, and that knowledgeable designers can utilize green materials, including some that ostensibly cost more, without increasing overall project costs.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building materials; cost; economics; green building; performance; specification; sustainable design |
| Index terms: | green product, green building, building material, designer, project cost, sustainable design, specification, capital cost |
| Subjects: | design practice, economics, accounting and finance, contractual condition, sustainable design, design process, profession, building materials |
| Topics: | Contract Administration, Design Practice, Roles and Professions, Sustainability, Business Strategy, Cost Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 2 PC |
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