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Green building sector remains steady
A series of reports published in the US towards the end of last year appears to confirm that the sustainable building sector has yet to be seriously hit by the global economic downturn.
According to a report on residential building by construction company McGraw Hill and the US
According to a report on residential building by construction company McGraw Hill and the US
National Association of Home Builders, 40 per cent of builders say sustainability features make it easier to market homes during difficult economic times.
"Considering today's market and current economic situation, builders need to differentiate themselves from their competitors," said McGraw-Hill's Harvey Bernstein. "Green building gives builders that opportunity to expand their market share and ride out this economic slump."
In another McGraw-Hill study, the majority of builders said they expected 60 per cent of their projects to be focused on sustainable building by 2013. Over four fifths of builders surveyed anticipated a growth in sales associated with green building. The top reason given for going green? "It's the right thing to do."
Unfortunately, it's not clear precisely how 'green' building was defined in either report. Another study by the Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA) found that 'smart' green buildings "provide a tangible and significant return on investment", and that commercial building owners continue to devote funds and resources to green initiatives despite the economic downturn.
"Considering today's market and current economic situation, builders need to differentiate themselves from their competitors," said McGraw-Hill's Harvey Bernstein. "Green building gives builders that opportunity to expand their market share and ride out this economic slump."
In another McGraw-Hill study, the majority of builders said they expected 60 per cent of their projects to be focused on sustainable building by 2013. Over four fifths of builders surveyed anticipated a growth in sales associated with green building. The top reason given for going green? "It's the right thing to do."
Unfortunately, it's not clear precisely how 'green' building was defined in either report. Another study by the Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA) found that 'smart' green buildings "provide a tangible and significant return on investment", and that commercial building owners continue to devote funds and resources to green initiatives despite the economic downturn.
Last modified on Wednesday, 07 January 2009 18:48