Seeing green in development

Green building is significantly cheaper than suspected, according to a study by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. In a global study of nearly 1,500 people, respondents estimated the cost to build green is 17 percent more than conventional construction, while the actual difference is generally around five percent. Of industry respondents, the study revealed only one in seven have taken part in a green building project. Buildings comprise nearly 40 percent of global energy use, which is projected to rise quickly, particularly in China and India.