It depends on how much your net income increases. A LEED building spends on average 25% less on energy, 11% less on water, and 19% less on maintenance (PNNL, 2011), and one with WELL or Fitwel records between 4.4% and 7.7% more rent per m² (MIT, 2020). That additional net income divided by the market cap rate provides an estimate of the asset's increased value.
An EDGE building saves at least 20% in energy, water, and embodied energy in materials, as this is a certification requirement. LEED buildings consume on average 25% less energy and 11% less water than a conventional building, according to a PNNL study of 22 buildings in the U.S. (2011).
Operational savings are realized by the buyer, not the seller. For the developer, the value lies in the sales pitch: how much less each buyer pays in utilities every month. The calculator estimates this per unit so you can compare it against the additional cost of certification.
That is not their primary goal. WELL and Fitwel certify the health and well-being of occupants. Their return is reflected in rent: between 4.4% and 7.7% more per m², according to the MIT Real Estate Innovation Lab (2020).
This is an estimate. It uses averages from published studies and reference values by building type and country, which is why it provides ranges rather than a single number. For an analysis of your specific project, the Leaf team works with your blueprints, specifications, and market data.
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