Did You Know?
More than 80% of commercial building owners have allocated funds to green initiatives this year; some 45% plan to increase sustainability investments in 2009, according to "2008 Green Survey: Existing Buildings," a survey jointly funded by Incisive Media's Real Estate Forum and GlobeSt.com, the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
It’s better for the environment. Each year, buildings are responsible for 39% of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions and 70% of U.S. electricity consumption. They use 15 trillion gallons of water and consume 40% of the world’s raw materials. The air inside homes, schools and offices can be significantly more polluted than the air outside and has been linked to illnesses ranging from asthma to heart disease.

It increases efficiency. Studies show that, on average, LEED-certified buildings cost 2% – 3% more than conventional construction, but that difference is made back in full within a year based on energy savings alone. Water conservation, reductions in construction waste and effective storm water management generate significant operational savings for the building owner, while reducing the demand on municipal infrastructures.

It’s good business. Many states offer tax incentives or grants for building green. The trend is making substantial inroads into publicly-owned and publicly-funded sectors, with tax credits for residential builders and homeowners to follow. Increased demand for environmentally friendly products means huge opportunity for sales within the green niche.