By offering a stronger occupancy record, lower risk and liability, and substantial operating savings, your green building will likely be a more attractive property to buyers, even in a down market. As a general rule, for every $1.00 per square foot your green project saves in operating expenses, its property value increases by $10.00 per square foot based on a 10 percent market capitalization rate.

Also, getting your project certified through the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program can help you draw higher bids for the property by generating media interest in your project and giving credibility to its green performance claims.

"Higher occupancy rates in our green buildings have enabled us to command a premium for these properties if and when they are sold," reports Jerry Lea, a senior vice president at Hines, one of the largest real estate development, investment and management companies in the world.