The Appeal of an Energy-Efficient Building
Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) are a popular choice for creating energy-efficient commercial buildings. Companies choose energy-efficient buildings for three main reasons: better air quality, energy savings, and higher employee productivity. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that cleaner indoor air increases employee productivity by 11% (Factsheet: What is Indoor Air Quality? 2025). The U.S. Green Building Council says energy-efficient buildings cut energy use by up to 30% (Verdinez, 2024). A Harvard study finds certified green buildings boost cognitive performance by 26% and lower sick building syndrome by 30% (MacNaughten et al., 2016).
The Numbers: How Energy Efficiency Affects Resale Price
Two certifications can increase your property’s resale price.
1. ENERGY STAR Buildings
ENERGY STAR Buildings have higher asset values, higher occupancy rates, and higher resale prices; 1 to 31 percent more than energy-inefficient buildings. Rental premiums are 3 to 16 percent higher for ENERGY STAR buildings. Occupancy rates can rise by up to 10% (The business case for energy-efficient buildings).
2. LEED Buildings
LEED-certified buildings also have higher resale values and rental premiums. Since 2018, LEED buildings have averaged a 21.4 percent higher price per square foot. Rental premiums are 11.1% higher than for non-LEED buildings (LEED is better for business, people and the environment).
In Summary,
Green buildings offer businesses a compelling investment, with green building certifications driving substantial gains in property resale value. Ground source heat pumps not only qualify properties for green building certifications but also directly reduce energy consumption and utility costs. As a result, investing in ground-source heat pumps can significantly increase a property’s resale price and deliver strong returns for business owners looking to maximize asset value.
References
Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Factsheet: What is Indoor Air Quality?. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/factsheet-what-indoor-air-quality
Verdinez, D. (2024, November 14). New report from U.S. Green Building Council details data on three decades of impact: U.S. green building council. USGBC. https://www.usgbc.org/articles/new-report-us-green-building-council-details-data-three-decades-impact
MacNaughten, P., Satish, U., Laurent, J., Flanigan, S., Vallarino, J., Coull, B., Spengler, J., & Allen, J. (2016, December 21). The impact of working in a green certified building on cognitive function and health. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132316304723
The business case for energy-efficient buildings. ENERGY STAR. (n.d.). https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/save-energy-commercial-buildings/finance-projects/business-case
USGBC. (n.d.). LEED is better for business, people and the environment. USGBC. https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-better-business-people-and-environment
