According to an article that appeared in today's Wall Street Journal, an unexpected drop in U.S. electricity consumption has utility companies worried that the trend isn't a byproduct of the economic downturn, and could
reflect a permanent shift in consumption.
According to EPA estimates, buildings are responsible for 39% of the energy 39 percent of total energy use and 68 percent of total electricity consumption in the U.S. And two two surveys released this week indicated that the green building market in the United States is accelerating at a dramatic rate.
According to McGraw-Hill Construction's Green Outlook 2009: Trends Driving Change report, the value of green building construction starts was up five-fold from 2005 to 2008 (from $10 billion to $36-$49 billion) and could triple by 2013, reaching $96-$140 billion and could triple by 2013, reaching $96-$140 billion.
The 2008 Autodesk/AIA Green Index noted an increase in the implementation of sustainable design practices from architects and building owners and shows that architects' clients have experienced a doubling in the market demand for green buildings over the past year as well as positive shifts in architects' attitudes toward their ability to impact climate change.
Although the Wall Street Journal didn’t mention programs like NAHB’s Model Green Building Guidelines or the USGBC’s LEED Program, I believe our efforts at promoting energy-efficient green building are making a measurable difference.
Chuck Miller GMB CGB CGP MIRM CMP MCSP CSP
President / Builder – Chuck Miller Construction Inc.
(208) 229-2553