The earlier you set your green building targets, the further your dollars will stretch, the more you will be able to accomplish and the greater your return on investment will be.

For little or no additional cost up front, you can achieve certification for your project according to the LEED green building rating system -- which offers guidelines and suggested strategies in the areas of site, water, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.

Certification can help boost media interest in your business and offer proof to potential tenants and buyers that you've achieved your sustainability goals.

Once you've settled on your budget and your LEED certification target, use green strategies to design costs out of your project.