 
Energy Market is the Place to Be According
to Green Outlook 2011
November 4, 2010
Various forecasts have not always been encouraging in months past,
but that wasn't the case recently when Harvey Bernstein, vice president,
Global Thought Leadership and Business Development, delivered his
Green Outlook for 2011 during McGraw Hill's recent construction
outlook conference held in Washington, D.C. Bernstein says dramatic
growth in the green market started in 2005 and will continue through
2015.
Green Market's Growth
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Source: Green Market Size: McGraw-Hill Construction,
2010; base value of construction market from McGraw-Hill Construction
Market Forecasting Service, as of September, 2010 |
"If you're not building green you better start because it's
becoming part of the market," he said.
Additionally, there are some specific markets enjoying significant
growth including the health care market, which Bernstein says is
the strongest in this category.
Green is not just a buzz word, he added. More importantly, "green
is being interpreted as synonymous with quality," he said.
It's not more expensive either. "Data shows that you can build
green for the same cost or even less than traditional buildings,"
he added.
Bevy of Benefits
While most talk about the energy benefits of building green, Bernstein
said some of the overlooked benefits include human elements, such
as improved productivity. He said employees who work in green buildings
have fewer sick days and
doctors who work in green hospitals perform
better, as do children in green schools.
Green Share of New Nonresidential
Building Construction
is Growing Rapidly
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Source: Green Market Size: McGraw-Hill Construction,
2010; base value of construction market from McGraw-Hill Construction
Market Forecasting Service, as of September, 2010 |
Bernstein said that increased specification of LEED projects will
impact the growth of green building in the commercial market. Additionally,
he said green product labels, such as GreenSeal, GreenGuard, FSC
and others, are on the rise.
Bernstein ended his presentation with how he began, encouraging
companies to get involved n this market if they are not already.
"If you're not engaged in green products or green construction
you will be left behind," he said.
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