Green is also growing in the building sector. As reported in the Daily Herald Business Ledger, The green market was 2 percent of nonresidential construction starts in 2005; 12 percent in 2008; and grew to 28-35 percent in 2010. By 2015, an estimated 40-48 percent of new nonresidential construction will be green. Experts say green building will support 7.9 million U.S. jobs and pump $554 million into the U.S. economy over the next four years.
By 2015, the green share of the largest nonresidential retrofit and renovation activity will more than triple, growing to 25-33 percent of the activity by value — a $14-18 billion opportunity in major construction projects alone, industry experts say.
When Brian Berg Sr. established Berg Engineering Consultants Ltd. (BEC) There was no green market and there was no LEED certification. However when he set up shop in the midst of the 70s energy crisis, he paid heed to prevailing conditions and positioned himself to be ahead of the curve in energy-efficient designs.
Now his firm has won numerous energy awards using energy efficient design in a huge and growing market.
“Dad had to invent energy efficient design,” explains Brian Berg Jr. “Today it’s not so much a process, but education — staying on top of innovations, showing clients how spending a little more for a more energy efficient building envelope is a smart investment.”
© 2012, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.
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