Green Building Professionals Kicked Ass During the Recession

Let’s talk a different kind of “green” today - the commoditized kind! A recent study by McGraw Hill Construction released some awesome news for LEED-certified builders: construction professionals who are experienced with green building have performed better during the recession than those without a deep eco-friendly understanding. Just last year, more than one in three builders either dedicated or incorporated green building into more than 50% of their projects!

Even better news? The study, which was unveiled at a recent National Association of Home Builders annual conference, reports that environmentally friendly building is just beginning to really flourish. In fact, by 2016, the industry as a whole is expected to reach between $85 and $105 billion. This represents, at minimum, a doubling of the industry’s value in less than three years, as 2013 expenditures placed it at $36 billion.

What’s stimulating this momentous gain? McGraw Hill Construction points to a number of changing aspects. Most notably, the economy is continuing to improve and with it new construction is regaining momentum. Simultaneously, communities are increasingly incorporating green practices and policies into local building codes and requirements.

In addition, with the rising cost of energy and the concurrently decreasing cost of green and energy efficient products, customers are increasingly interested in investing in eco-friendly structures. The study also suggests that educated consumers are more aggressively seeking these fittings in their homes - and are willing to pay extra for them. 68% of builders reported that clients are willing to pay more for green buildings, and nearly 25% stated that the consequential price is as much as 5% more.

So, for those selling homes, a particularly ardent task in this housing market, green fittings may be the right choice. More than 50% of builders and remodelers found the marketing of green homes to be considerably less difficult.

Needless to say, if you’re considering pursuing a LEED professional credential, now is the time to jump in and get your feet wet with Poplar’s free practice tests. As the industry grows, it’s very likely that those with lengthy track records of positive experience will maximize the competitive advantage and their professional value.