It can be, unless the builder and buyer pay particular attention to direct and indirect costs associated with each item. A good example of expensive Green building would be to purchase reusable lumber such as flooring or trim which has to be shipped across the U.S. A good rule of thumb is to limit your purchase radius to with 500 miles of the job site. It may cost more in transportation or developmental costs than the item is worth. In that case buying a Green product may actually be counterproductive.
