Abstract In our practice we work with a cross-section of office users but a large proportion of our clients are non-profit organizations. One of the first questions posed to us, especially by non-profit clients is, “How much more will a LEED project cost?” The experienced answer should be, “Relative to what?” The nature of non-profit fund raising puts all of the decisions made by these organizations under close scrutiny. While all organizations need to house their staff, the office needs of non-profits walk a tightrope between perceptions of those providing the funding and the expectations of the staff. This tightrope becomes especially precarious when the organization is focused on environmental issues and conservation. The following case study provides insight into the budget driven approach taken by an international conservation organization in the design and construction of their headquarters facility.