Green Building Construction Cost Surcharge: An Overview
Publication: Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 27, Issue 4
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the cost surcharges of green buildings. In this study, the green construction cost surcharge (GCCS) is defined as the additional capital costs associated with sustainable building features and practices. More specifically, this study intends to (1) identify the green cost surcharge difference on a global scale; (2) identify the green cost surcharge differences across building types; and (3) gain a basic understanding of the causes of cost differences. A literature survey on green building surcharge costs was performed, resulting in a total of more than 1,300 cases from 11 countries. The cases included both residential and nonresidential units. The results show that there is a regional difference among green cost surcharges; however, the median and mean green cost surcharges are 7%. Furthermore, there is a cost difference among building types, with school buildings having the highest cost surcharge. Varied cost estimation and collection methods also lead to different green cost surcharge results; the differences between industry findings and academic research are very apparent. Lastly, 11 cost variables are identified as well.
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Acknowledgments
The authors thank the anonymous referees for their helpful suggestions.
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Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 27 • Issue 4 • December 2021
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© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 25, 2020
Accepted: Jul 26, 2021
Published online: Aug 27, 2021
Published in print: Dec 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Jan 27, 2022
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The authors confirm that there are no known conflicts of interest associated with this publication and there has been no significant financial support for this work that could have influenced its outcome.
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