Growth of Green Building - the Facts

Despite the recent downturn in our economic, construction, and housing markets, sustainability is proving its mettle and standing up to a culture of pessimism. Against all the odds green building is still moving forward, with new projects being added daily.  According to the USGBC:

•    Since 2000, their membership has more than quadrupled;

•    The overall green building market (both residential and non-residential) is likely to more than double from today’s $36-49 billion to $96-140 billion by 2013 ;

•    The value of green building construction is projected to increase to $60 billion by 2010;

•    By 2009, 82% of corporate America is expected to be greening at least 16% of their real estate portfolios; of these corporations, 18% will be greening more than 60% of their real estate portfolios ; and

•    The green building products market is projected to be worth $30-$40 billion annually by 2010.  

PERSONALLY SPEAKING

The growth in green building speaks volumes to individual, corporate, and governmental trends to change our current building methods, especially in the face of a recession. If it can survive the conditions we are currently facing, then the opportunity for continual expansion seems extremely promising for when the economy starts heading in the right direction again. ~ Matt

Matt Kiszka is the LEED and Greenbuilding initiatives project manager for Renewable Choice