Emerging green building trends

There was a time when green was simply a color on the color wheel. In the world of commercial construction, green building, also known as green construction or sustainable building, refers to a structure and its operation that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout any part of a building's life cycle: from siting to design, construction, operation, or renovation. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) estimates that this year alone, 60,000 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects have been underway. Several innovations and top trends have emerged in green building:Solar powerThis is the number one renewable energy trend and is expected to continue grow for years to come.  The use of solar energy panels in new and retrofit construction has become a large trend among government building, universities and corporations. This affordable green trend is attributed to federal enticements making solar power a wise purchase for a business interested in clean energy.Using less waterWater-use reduction is the second most important environmental factor in the United States. Builders and architects are integrating innovative systems that limit water use and prevent pollution.The “greening” of existing spaceThe 2013 World Green Building Trends Report conducted a worldwide study and found that more than 50% of survey respondents (builders, architects, engineers, owners and consultants) anticipate green retrofit plans for the next three years.Staying out of the REDAnother trend in green construction is creating a healthy indoor environment for occupants and customers. Avoiding “Red List” chemicals and materials such as asbestos, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),  formaldehyde, phthalates and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which have all been verified harmful to human health and the environment is the easiest way to ensure that green construction standards are being followed.Overall, these emerging trends indicate that businesses see green building as a business opportunity. Many businesses are gaining more than kudos for their environmental efforts, they are seeing added value by way of increased tenant demand and decreased operating costs.  For instance, businesses going green with a retrofit are expected to decrease operating costs by 9% in year one and 13% by year five. Brand loyalty is also high with consumers who know that the businesses they patronize have instilled sustainable measures in the construction of the building and everyday operations.90 Degree Construction provides full-service commercial contracting, including green construction—and is available to assist new businesses, franchises, corporate chains and property managers with their commercial contracting needs. For more information on green build outs and renovations, check out our website.