We're in the process of planning a medical office, about 4000 sq ft, in the Southeast and wanted to try and add some green features but was discouraged by the architect and builder, it's just not cost effective. Can anyone point me to some articles, web sites, or books would better educate me about what options are available for an office building so I could decide for myself whether it is cost effective. My partner and I are early in our careers so we hope to be in this building 20-30 years so we do have time to recoup any added costs in future energy savings.
Thanks

Get an architect and builder with better attitudes. It is YOUR money, and green doesn't have to be expensive by any means. There are many shades of green, a lot of which don't cost extra money to implement. A lot can be accomplished merely with passive design strategies that take into account the materials used to construct, the climate, and the siting of the building.

The attitude that it isn't cost effective is an untenable attitude in this day and age. What cost is most important? Your out-of-pocket up-front costs, or life-cycle costs?

Those two folks you mention sound like simpletons to me. It isn't your job as the client to teach them that sustainable strategies can be affordable. There are plenty of other architects and builders that can bring an understanding of sustainable building practices to the table. Find yourself one if that is your interest.

Like I said, it is YOUR money.

Mark Meyer

The message that green doesn't have to mean more expensive and that I'm not being unreasonable is good to hear. We're buying a spot within a larger office park development and are locked in with the builder/developer. However, the developer was present at the intitial meetings with the architect and now that I look back he was the one pushing me towards the simplest, most traditional plan. I'm going to try meeting with the architect alone, and if I can't get anywhere that way, find a new one.
Thanks Mark