Designing for reduced ambient light and more task lighting can also reduce the number of ambient lighting fixtures you need. These tend to be more expensive than task lights, so you might have a lower first cost as a result.
Some municipalities, like New York and Chicago, offer incentives in the form of tax credits, rebates, and density bonuses for building green roofs. Check with your municipality for incentive opportunities.
Although green roofs cost more than conventional roofs, a green roof can have a favorable life-cycle cost by increasing the life of the roof system below via sun protection. Their energy savings can also contribute to long-term financial benefits.
Most projects choose to go with a light-colored roof because there is less maintenance and upfront costs. However, low-rise buildings in particular (in which the roof is relatively important in maintenance and cost considerations) should consider the life-cycle cost benefits of green roofs, due to improved insulation and better roof durability.
PV canopies will have more of an upfront cost (that can often be offset with government incentives), but is a great way to install renewable energy onsite, contributing to EAc2: Onsite Renewable Power, without losing the functionality of your parking.
Trees may be able to provide not only shade for hardscapes but also shade and wind protection for the building—potentially reducing cooling as well as heating loads in the building, and saving operational costs.
