Green building needs good modeling

Do your homework first. That's what many experts suggest for those looking to build green and cut energy costs.

Mark DeGasparre, vice president of the Baltimore, Maryland-area firm Century Engineering Inc., said pre-construction planning is critical. Century Engineering’s own headquarters is certified with the U.S. Green Building Council.

DeGasparre said following an incorrect energy model before building can lead to big issues.

"An energy model is only as good as the software you use, the person who’s doing the modeling, and the information that you put into it," he said. "If someone makes a mistake or you make an assumption, then there goes your efficiency. There's no guarantee that what your model shows will match what will happen once you get in the building. It’s not an exact science."

The past decade has seen more companies invest in green construction. In this fairly new industry, uncertainty remains. Industry experts said companies contemplating building green must conduct thorough research to avoid pitfalls.

Green construction projects have a better chance of being financed and can better maximize energy savings if they’re planned well, experts said. As with many investments, a positive return is not guaranteed.

Meanwhile, one of the biggest issues with green construction is the initial cost. Construction costs generally exceed those of a traditional building. In the early days of green certification, some reports had green building costs as much as 25 percent more than conventional construction. Today, engineers and builders are more experienced in the field, and materials that were once expensive and rare are now more affordable and easier to find.