Cost implications of the green pyramid rating system

Purpose This study evaluates the cost implications of the Green Pyramid Rating System (GPRS) in Egypt. Although GPRS promotes sustainable construction, its adoption remains limited due to unclear financial impact and low stakeholder awareness. Design/methodology/approach A three-phase methodology was applied. First, the GPRS V2 manual was reviewed to categorize certification criteria. Second, a qualitative assessment using the Delphi technique involved 102 stakeholders from various construction sectors (contractors, consultants, suppliers). Participants were grouped (3–10 members each) by technical expertise – mechanical, electrical and architectural – to assess cost implications of GPRS criteria. Third, a quantitative analysis of high-cost criteria used market data, expert input, and monthly material price reports. This enabled estimation of initial construction cost increases and long-term operational savings. Findings Results show that 22% of GPRS criteria incur negligible or no additional cost, while another 38% involve low-cost increases. This indicates that up to 60% of GPRS requirements can be met with limited initial cost. However, 45% require significant investment. For instance, efficient HVAC systems may raise initial costs by 100–200% but reduce energy use by over 50%. These findings align with global studies on certified green buildings, which report average cost increases of 5–10%. Research limitations/implications While the study uses expert input and benchmark data, further validation through real GPRS-certified projects is recommended. Originality/value This is the first empirical study to quantify GPRS cost implications, addressing a key knowledge gap and offering a decision-support tool for sustainable construction in Egypt.