(Newswire.net — October 27, 2016) — The green building trend arguably began at the beginning of the decade. Though there have long been plenty of supporters for more eco-friendly building standards, it wasn’t until recently that contractors, government agencies, and many consumers got on board with the idea. Now, green building is rising rapidly, and it’s becoming one of the most popular trends in real estate.
Where did this sudden rise in popularity come from? And what are the benefits of going green?
Green Home Facts
Green construction is defined as building processes and technology installed in the home that lead to reduced environmental impact and greater efficiency. Installing Energy Star rated appliances, choosing eco-friendly building materials, recycling leftover materials, installing a smart thermostat, and other practices all contribute to a green home.
Research from 2014 and 2015 show that green building has outpaced overall growth in every other construction sector. According to Environmental Leader, more than 2.3 million jobs were created from green building tactics, underscoring the sheer growth and prevalence of eco-friendly construction standards. By 2018, it’s expected to account for more than 3.3 million jobs in the United States.
“Our research shows that green building has created millions of jobs and contributed hundreds of billions of dollars to the U.S. economy, with the construction of LEED- certified buildings accounting for about 40 percent of green construction’s overall contribution to GDP in 2015,” David Erne, a senior associate at Booz Allen, reported to Environmental Leader.
Green construction is becoming dominant in our minds. More consumers are asking for this style of construction with their new homes and the market is growing exponentially as a result.
Benefits and Incentives of Going Green
The reasoning behind this green trend is two-fold. First of all, the desire for environmentally-friendly construction and practices has arisen out of a desire to reduce environmental impact. The media and politics have brought to light the potential problems of climate change and greenhouse gasses. Though there’s no hard scientific evidence to prove that these problems are manmade, it has people worried about their futures and the way their personal living conditions will affect that.
Secondly, green home builders are interested in the many perks and incentives of going green. The financial costs are clear. Homeowners can save as much as 75 percent on their utility bills by installing alternate energy sources, smart thermostats, well-insulated windows, and more. Most of these methods fall into the green home category, promising excellent savings for those who seek a greener lifestyle.
Along with the financial savings, there are also tax credits to consider. Homeowners who install solar panels in California, for example, can receive up to a 30 percent return on their taxes, just for installing the panels. There are other tax credits for using energy efficient appliances, water conservation features, and more.
The nation has caught green fever in a trend that’s not likely to end soon. More eco-friendly construction is changing the way building is done, influencing our overall impact on the environment and improving our way of life.