A new report was released by the World Green Building Council, titled, "The Business Case for Green Building: A Review of the Costs and Benefits for Developers, Investors and Occupants." The report was commissioned in collaboration with sustainability consultancy firm, PRP Environmental, together with sponsors, Skanska, Grosvenor, and the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council/Estidama. The report says green buildings can be put up at a cost almost similar to conventional buildings and payback of investments can be earned through operational cost savings. "From risk mitigation across a building portfolio and city-wide economic benefits, to the improved health and well-being of individual building occupants, the business case for green building will continue to evolve as markets mature. Indeed we have already seen this momentum grow globally where in more and more places, green is now becoming the status quo," said Jane Henley, chief executive officer of World G.B.C. The report, which assessed the financial value that could be attached to the cost and benefits of green buildings, revealed that such buildings save money through reduced energy and water use, and lower long-term operations maintenance costs. The energy savings alone usually exceed any cost premiums associated with their design and construction within a reasonable payback period.

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