ABSTRACT
This chapter emphasizes the business case for sustainable design and construction, including a detailed example of the business case with regard to the energy and water optimization of a building. Establishing performance-based design standards to achieve environmental quality goals for schools can have significant impacts not only on the first and lifecycle costs of the building, but also on the basic health, achievement and learning of the students. Thinking strategically about how we increase the sustainability our building and infrastructure projects can ensure that we are able to meet sustainability goals without breaking the project budget. To illustrate the process of developing a business case, the chapter begins with a detailed case study of the planning, design, construction and operation of Reedy Fork Elementary School located in Greensboro, North Carolina, United States. The use of natural daylighting is a key strategy to reduce energy consumption as well as a significant factor in improving students’ performance, health, comfort and well-being.
