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

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

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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