The Green Building Revolution
February 14, 2011In spite of the recent economic recession, there is one sector that seems to be flourishing. According to a new report by McGraw-Hill Construction (who tracks building industry trends), the U.S. green building market has expanded dramatically since 2008 and is expected to double its size by 2015. New green construction jumped from $42 billion in 2008 to $71 billion in 2010 and represents 25 percent of all new building activity.
This is great news for not only the environment (since single family homes account for about 21 percent of U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions), but it also means that the cost of green building materials is getting more affordable for the average homeowner and that more new green innovations are arriving on the market all the time.
If you are planning to build a new home, be sure to incorporate green features into your plan. They may cost slightly more than conventional products, but they will save a lot on utility bills over time.
For professional advice on all aspects of buying or selling real estate, please contact me at aross@miamirealestate.com or 305-960-2575, or come by the office at 355 Alhambra Circle, 9th Floor, in Coral Gables.
