Make no mistake: the “green building” market is not only here to stay, it is also the wave of the future. In the next five years alone, the market for buildings that incorporate alternative energy and conservation techniques will grow between $ 10 and $ 20 billion. However, the green building market only accounted for about two percent of new construction in 2004. By 2010, that number is expected to rise to 5-10 percent, which still represents only a small fraction of the huge potential. of the green building market.
A recent survey showed that more than 70 percent of interviewed architects, engineers, contractors, and building owners expect a significant increase in their income from green building. Of those surveyed, about 60 percent of industry professionals now regularly include green techniques in their new construction projects.
Although they cost a bit more to build, once the buildings are finished, they can save occupants 8 to 9 percent in operating costs vs. conventional buildings, which can lead to significant savings over time. Recognizing the trend, builders, architects and manufacturers are rushing to join in the boom, which will ultimately lower prices for consumers.
It is no longer just a few environmentally conscious homeowners putting solar collectors on their roofs to heat water. The boom is being driven by giant corporations like Ford, GM and Adobe, companies that have incorporated green techniques into their buildings to improve their overall bottom line through greater energy savings. That trend shows that green buildings are no longer just a fad, and they are definitely here to stay, because if businesses can get a quick return on their investment, they are jumping on the green building bandwagon too.
Green building is not just the wave of the future. Green building is also the “newest” thing in today’s construction. There is an organization called the US Green Building Council that actively promotes the use of green building techniques. If you or your business are interested in incorporating green features into your next construction project, you will find a wealth of information at http://www.usgbc.org.
It all adds up to a win-win situation for all concerned. The construction industry increases turnover, occupants save significant amounts of money, and the environment is less and less affected. And the trend should only gain momentum as new technology makes green buildings even more efficient and less expensive.
Copyright © 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher