That is a question managers feeling pressure to make their facilities and operations more sustainable ask themselves every day.
Tried-and-true tools to measure the impact of sustainable technologies on an organization's bottom line are hard to find. Apparently, progress is being made. I came across an interesting article (see attached file below) by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Building and Fire Research Laboratory that discusses the laboratory's efforts in developing metrics and tools for assessing the environmental and economic performance of buildings over their life cycle.
From what I read, the article seemed pretty intriguing. I hope you'll give it a read.
Chris
One has to be curious. varification is difficult as it has only become fashionable since last years push, and the hope that the President is not just another monopolist.
Government has not spent it's testing dollars on the most efficient current options. "It will be left to the marketplace to decide." That was a huge mistake or deception to avoid real progress.
You r left with a desert full of sand and you will have to look for your solution. Fortunately most of the solutions are out there. You must look at them, make your own decision, and commit to try them. Don't wait for Harry to do it. You'll never get it done.
The prize in energy conservation and sustainability will go to those who look hard, study deep, and try things.
It alwats was, and it will continue. Your choice is to be an early adopter and to follow through to make it work.
It's like losing weight, and learning. It's hard work. The rewards are there for the taking.