01 · The Evidence
The sustainable premium, in plain numbers.
Every claim on this site traces to peer-reviewed research, federal data, or university research centers — the same standard we use in our investor models. Here is the chain, end to end.
1 · BUILD →
It costs a little more to build.
Passive-house-level projects carry a 1.4% to 2.8% construction premium (Phius 2021). SIP panels claw much of that back by cutting framing labor 40–55% (SIPA 2023).
2 · OWN →
It costs far less to own.
About 60% less energy than a code-built home (Phius 2021). Our spec targets $700–900 a year in energy costs, against roughly $3,000 for conventional new construction (PLACELAB target).
3 · SELL
It's worth more when you sell or lease.
Energy-rated homes: +2.7%, and 3–5% more for stronger ratings (Freddie Mac 2019). Green-labeled homes: about +9% (Kok and Kahn 2012). Owned solar: about +$15,000 (Berkeley Lab 2015). Green commercial: ~+3% rents, ~+16% sale price (Eichholtz, Kok, and Quigley 2010).
Why build infill.
Infill means building on empty or under-used lots inside the city, where roads, water, and power already exist. You live near your job, your school, and your favorite places — not an hour away. And because land close-in is scarce, well-built infill homes hold their value.
This premium shows up in Texas.
Frisco, Texas ran the nation's first mandatory residential green building program. A peer-reviewed study of home sales there found a statistically significant price premium for green homes — the largest in the study (Aroul and Hansz 2012, Journal of Real Estate Research). The Berkeley Lab solar study included Texas A&M researchers and multi-state data (Hoen et al. 2015). And Texas A&M's Real Estate Research Center tracks the market timing that makes this the right moment: the gap between new-build and resale prices is at a record low of about $15,500 (TRERC 2026).
Washington pays you to build this way.
§179D — up to $5.00 per square foot deducted for energy-efficient commercial buildings (Elliott 2023, TRERC).
§45L — up to $5,000 per qualifying new home in builder tax credits (Elliott 2023, TRERC).
§48 — a 30% investment tax credit on geothermal, solar, and battery systems for commercially held projects, available through 2032 — an estimated $14,000–$22,000 back per project.
Planned to be tested, rated, and documented.
Our process calls for an energy model before construction and physical testing after: a blower-door test for airtightness and a third-party energy rating. The paperwork is meant to transfer with the building. That is what turns 'green' from a claim into an appraisable asset — and rated buildings are exactly the ones the research shows selling at a premium (Freddie Mac 2019).
Our research standard.
Every claim on this site follows an academic citation standard: peer-reviewed journals, university research centers, and federal agencies only. No forums, no blogs, no hearsay. Full reference list available on request.