Mandating that new buildings have to be environmentally friendly may sound good on paper. But when San Francisco recently enacted new Green building codes, the city’s own economic analysts found the regulations may cost the area an astounding $700 million each and every year in expenses and lost economic output. According to Environment and Climate News, the new codes require all new buildings to recycle construction material, and include renewable energy, storage space for recyclables, and a 50% reduction in landscape water use. Since the higher costs may also drive new residents and businesses away, it sounds like Green building codes may not be all that attractive after all.