2008-05-12

McGraw-Hill Construction presents research data at the National Association of Home Builders' Green Building Conference

McGraw-Hill Construction today presented the findings of its latest market research investigating "green" home building, focusing on changes in green building activity between 2001 and 2007, the impact of the down market on green home building, opinions and preferences of builders for green materials and processes, and triggers and obstacles affecting green building expansion.

The major findings of the survey, which is co-sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), include:

• The residential green building market is expected to be worth $12 billion to $20 billion (6% to 10% of the market) this year.
• In five years (2012), the market is expected to double to 12% to 20% market share or $40 billion to $70 billion.
• 40% of builders think green building helps them market their homes in a down market.
• Quality has emerged in this down market as the most important reason for building green. Previously, builders were motivated by energy cost savings of green homes and doing the right thing, which still came in #2 this year. This is likely due to green home marketing and how it improves quality of life.

"We have hit the tipping point for builders going green," said Harvey M. Bernstein, McGraw-Hill Construction vice president of Industry Analytics, Alliances and Strategic Initiatives. "This year, the number of builders who are moderately green – those with 30% green projects – has surpassed those with a low share of green – those who are green in less than 15% of their projects. Next year, we will see even greater growth, with highly green builders – those with 60% green projects– surpassing those with a low share of green. This year has seen an 8% jump over last year, and we expect another 10% increase next year."

For more information, go to  Tipping Point

Source: Construction.com

2008-04-28

Projects showcase excellence in sustainable design principles and reduced energy consumption

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) have selected the top ten examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. The projects will be honored at the AIA 2008 National Convention and Design Exposition in Boston.

The 2008 COTE Top Ten Green Projects program celebrates projects that are the result of a thoroughly integrated approach to architecture, natural systems and technology. They make a positive contribution to their communities, improve comfort for building occupants and reduce environmental impacts through strategies such as reuse of existing structures, connection to transit systems, low-impact and regenerative site development, energy and water conservation, use of sustainable or renewable construction materials, and design that improves indoor air quality.

Honorable Mention 2008 Top Ten Green Project:

Internal Revenue Service - Kansas City Service Center
BNIM / 360 Inc., Kansas City, MO
Natural light and open views of the surrounding urban fabric were salient sustainable design features for this project. Through architectural techniques, including clerestories, skylights, atrium, and building orientation, an unprecedented 80 percent of workspaces are served by natural light. Internal courtyards provide views of vegetated environments that also serve as workday respites. From inside the IRS processing Center one gets a sense of being part of a bigger whole; one that represents equilibrium between nature and the build environment, public and private, community and government.

For more information, go to  2008 COTE Top Ten Green

Source: AIA Committee on the Environment, April 22, 2008