Electical Contractor

In Turner Construction's 2008 Green Building Market Barometer survey of 754 commercial real estate executives, a significant percentage of respondents view green buildings as having lower operating costs and higher building values, rent requirements, occupancy rates and overall return on investment

According to a recent study by Frost & Sullivan, a major international industry research firm, renewable energy is gaining ground in North America as global in-ground fossil fuel reserves continue to dwindle and oil prices fluctuate.

In the drive for energy-efficient buildings, perfection is net-zero energy. Such tightly constructed buildings also produce their own energy, ultimately offsetting the energy they expend. Some produce more than they use and can sell the excess back to the utility.

The International Code Council (ICC) develops model codes regulating construction of residential and commercial buildings, one of which is the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Most states have a commercial or residential energy code that is based on some version of the IECC.

While the dominant theme at ISC West was going digital and networking, the 2009 Lightfair International was all about going green—how smart use of lighting can make big reductions in energy consumption.

According to the U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA), green building, also known as sustainable or high-performance building, is the practice of creating structure and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout the building’s life cycle.

Transforming the traditional home into an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient structure requires vision, creativity and innovative thinking. Home builders are taking steps to show they are up to the task.

Preliminary findings from a study conducted by McGraw-Hill Construction and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) note a strong demand for sustainable housing at all income levels, even in the current housing market.

Navigating today's uncertain economic waters demands strong planning, sharp instincts and steady nerves. Fortunately, remodeling provides some ballast during construction downturns. Green remodeling could be an attractive addition to a recessionary survival kit.