The Green Building Opportunity

Modern economic activity is dramatically eroding the Earth's "natural capital." This fact represents an enormous challenge-and opportunity-to many industries. The $290 billion residential building industry (new construction and remodeling in the United States) arguably has the greatest environmental impact of any industry. A financially and ecologically positive transformation of the industry is inevitable because the current waste and potential upside benefits to consumers of efficiencies are so significant. Buildings as a whole consume 40% of all natural resources, 75% of lumber, and 35-40% of all energy used annually in the United States. 15-40% of the landfill waste stream is construction related. Development patterns determine transportation and other infrastructure costs. Building design and interior materials also significantly affect productivity and health care costs with enormous economic ramifications. Homes and buildings that are healthier, more comfortable, less expensive to operate, more supportive of productivity, and more inspiring to live and work in are available today.

There are many indicators which demonstrate a rapid growth of interest in less toxic and environmentally sound building: consumer polls; press reports; manufacturer, utility and building industry activity; and government regulation. Rising population and consumer expectations combined with declining resource availability will sustain the critical need to build better homes with less environmental impact. Currently, environmentally-oriented residential construction and remodeling is a strong industry.

Certified Green Builders: There are initiatives throughout the country to certify "green" builders. The State of Colorado has promoted a Green Builder Certification Program which Planetary Solutions helped to develop and sponsor. The program is led by the Metro Denver Homebuilders Association which represents builders building 50% of the homes in the state.