Tim Wright10.30.08
The booming field of "green building" continues to grow even as the mortgage crisis has pushed the U.S. economy into a downward spiral leading to a current construction crash. The level of construction starts in 2009 is expected to decline seven percent to $515 billion following a 12% decline predicted for 2008, according to McGraw-Hill Construction's "2009 Construction Outlook."
"We know there will be a slowdown in new construction while the economy sorts itself out, but even so, we're seeing continued interest in green building practices particularly as it relates to greening existing buildings," said Ashley Katz, communications manager, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). "Now more than ever people want to save on utility bills, and green buildings use less energy and water, and cost less to operate and maintain."
In addition, Katz said that green buildings do not cost more than conventional buildings. "In fact, the upfront costs for a high performance office building average only one to two percent of the overall budget," she said. "Once the building is operational, money savings kick
"We know there will be a slowdown in new construction while the economy sorts itself out, but even so, we're seeing continued interest in green building practices particularly as it relates to greening existing buildings," said Ashley Katz, communications manager, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). "Now more than ever people want to save on utility bills, and green buildings use less energy and water, and cost less to operate and maintain."
In addition, Katz said that green buildings do not cost more than conventional buildings. "In fact, the upfront costs for a high performance office building average only one to two percent of the overall budget," she said. "Once the building is operational, money savings kick
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