Study projects green building will triple by 2013
Even as a deepening recession and credit freeze have curtailed real estate development, 
green building construction starts increased fivefold between 2005 and 2008, McGraw-Hill Construction reports.
McGraw-Hill expects the domestic green building market to triple by 2013, reaching up to $140 billion in construction spending. Growing public awareness, government regulations, and
bottom-line advantages are helping fuel green building’s surging popularity, the company said.
"People are increasingly realizing benefits of the green building in terms of the energy savings," said Deepika Padam, 2009 president of the Nevada chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, a nonprofit group promoting the benefits of eco-friendly buildings. "More than ever, people want to save money wherever they can."
Much of the green building activity will take place in retrofits and renovations since many buildings are aging and inefficient, McGraw-Hill said. Green building now comprises 5 percent to 9 percent of the market, but that share could reach 30 percent or $15 billion in annual spending within less than five years, the company added. Read full story:
