This eye-opening book reports the results of a large-scale study based on extensive financial and technical analyses of more than 150 green buildings in the United States and ten other countries. Using sophisticated modeling techniques the study analyzes the costs and financial benefits of building green on both large and small scales, and addresses the role of the built environment in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The author reports that green buildings cost roughly 2% more to build than conventional buildings--far less than previously assumed--and provide a wide range of financial, health, and social benefits. In addition, green buildings reduce energy use by an average of 33%. The book also evaluates the cost-effectiveness of "green community development" and presents the results of the first-ever survey of green buildings constructed by faith-based organizations. A compelling combination of solid facts and specific examples, it proves that green design is both cost-effective and earth-friendly.