According to a new study, construction industry stakeholders are increasingly recognizing green building capabilities as good – and being a necessary part of a firm’s best practices.

According to FMI’s 2008 U.S. Construction Overview, construction industry stakeholders are increasingly recognizing green building capabilities as good – and being a necessary part of a firm’s best practices. Green building no longer is a niche sector, and three major trends are pushing green building to the forefront of the construction industry.

According to the Overview, green nonresidential construction put in place was $13.4 billion in 2006, and by 2008, $21.2 billion of all new nonresidential construction will employ the use of green building principles. The growth in green construction has created a shift in perception among owners and the architectural and engineering communities.

In 2008, the three largest segments for nonresidential construction green building – office, education and health care – will account for more than 80 percent of total nonresidential green construction. Other segments such as lodging and commercial also are experiencing green construction growth, with a 20 percent gain expected from 2007 to 2008.

Three major trends are pushing green building to the forefront of the construction industry’s consciousness: an unprecedented level of government initiatives; heightened residential demand for green construction; and improvements in sustainable materials.

Government Initiatives

As the largest owner and operator of buildings, the U.S. government has the ability to exert tremendous influence over the construction industry, and to put in place policies, rules and regulations designed to drive private-sector investment in construction toward a predetermined end. In the first five months of 2007, more than 100 green building bills were introduced at the state level. Many states have adopted sustainability requirements for all of their new government-funded construction projects. Governments also have implemented economic incentives in the form of tax rebates and credits, density bonuses and other policies such as expedited permitting and approval for green projects.

Residential Demand

The heightened level of interest in sustainability within the residential construction sector has contributed to green construction’s movement into the mainstream. While demand for traditional residential construction is slowing down, the green housing and materials markets are expanding. Homeowners are increasing their investment in sustainable housing, due to improved economic paybacks resulting from high energy prices and their growing sensitivity to environmental concerns. The National Association of Home Builders’ Green Building Conference last year revealed that green building and remodeling is experiencing a level of demand that exceeds the current supply of qualified firms.

Green Materials

Green materials and building products are becoming more popular due to the upward trend in the green construction market. Consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about their health and the environment, and now are questioning the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in their home environments. They are making a conscious effort to identify what building materials and processes are healthier, more energy efficient and economically sensible. As the demand grows for green products and materials, the cost is mitigated. Today, many manufacturers are making green products, which leads to more competition and better pricing. In addition, distribution outlets for green materials are improving.

“Green building will continue to grow. It is not a question of whether your firm should invest in understanding the green sustainable trend and how to produce sustainable projects, it’s how much should you invest and how fast,” advises FMI’s Rick Dutmer. “Developing a strategy now to assess the capabilities of your firm, and create actions to take advantage of the sustainable opportunities is fundamental.”
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