Mitchell Swann posted a good comment on measuring the benefits of Green design in response to the post by Suzanne Harness:
It is inevitable that as sustainability moves (and it HAS to!) from "feel good" to "works good" there will be a push to attach performance outcomes to monies paid for projects. The various organizations involved in the sustainable buildings movement (ASHRAE, USGBC, AIA, etc) have made significant effort to track actual performance over time (LEED 2009's M&V requirement) and quantify sustainability goals (i.e. ASHRAE Std. 189.1). There is also a rapid expansion in the use of mandatory comparative metrics (EPA's Energy Star Portfolio Manager) and comparative analytics and ratings (ASHRAE bEQ Label). ... [A] one year performance measurement time frame is consistent with the typical "one and done" construction warranty and not unreasonable with respect to the building drifting 'out of tune' over time, especially if maintenance is not kept up to snuff. But I suspect that within the deal there are provisoes that protect the design and construction team from the negligent owner. ... [A]t the end of the day, somehow somebody has to show something that proves that an investment in sustainability yields a return.
