"Green growth is phenomenal across the globe," said Harvey M. Bernstein, Vice President of Industry Analytics, Alliances and Strategic Initiatives, McGraw-Hill Construction. "The business opportunities afforded by green building, even in the midst of a global economic crisis, are real and recognized by industry players. Furthermore, green building has great potential to help tackle unemployment through green jobs, and can address other societal issues, such as creating healthier places where we live and work."
Green building is the bright spot in an otherwise tough economy. U.S. Green Building Council members report green building to be less affected by the down market compared to non-green building, and homebuyers are willing to pay more for a green home. Perceived economic benefits are driving green building, including higher revenues, lower lifecycle costs, and lower operating costs, but builders and buyers are also motivated by health benefits, new government regulation, and pressure from global competition.
"Green building creates green jobs that save energy and money," commented Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO, and Founding Chairman, U.S. Green Building Council. "Our community can help solve climate change and the economic crisis while building a new energy economy by putting the greening of existing buildings at the top of our agenda."
McGraw-Hill Construction attributes green building's rapid expansion to growing public awareness, an increase in government regulations, and recognition of bottom-line advantages. Since 2005, the perceived benefits of green building have increased and differentiated as people become more knowledgeable about green building. The decrease in operating costs is the most often cited benefit (13.6%, up from 8-9% in 2005), followed by the increase in building values (10.9%, up from 7.5% in 2005).
