The amount of green building taking place globally is expected to double by 2018, according to a new study…
The World Green Building Council (WGBC) has released a new study that suggests global green building may double by 2018.
The study, ‘World Green Building Trends 2016, Developing Markets Accelerate Global Green Growth’, revealed the percentage of firms expecting to have more than 60 per cent of their building projects certified green is forecast to more than double by 2018. This will see the figures rise from the current 18 per cent to 37.
The analysis was conducted by Dodge Data & Analytics and United Technologies Corporation on behalf of WGBC, with support from a member of WorldGBC’s Corporate Advisory Board, the US Green Building Council, Saint-Gobain, and the WGBC’s Corporate Advisory Board.
The majority of the anticipated growth is expected to be driven by nations with still developing green markets. Firms in Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, China, and India are already reporting significant growth in the number of projects expected to certify as green.
The study brought together more than 1,000 building professionals from some 69 countries. This included the Green Building councils and their members. It found global green building doubles every three years. The report also suggested building owners are seeing a median increase of some seven percent in the value of green buildings compared to traditional buildings.
It found that commercial construction leads the way for green building growth, with 46 per cent of respondents expecting to undertake a green commercial project in the next three years.
The analysis forecast a number of nations will see a percentage growth of companies expecting to certify green projects. Brazil is expected to see a six fold growth from six per cent to 36; China will see a five-fold growth from five per cent to 28; and Saudi Arabia will see a four-fold growth from eight per cent to 32.
CEO of WGBC Terri Wills said: “This study offers further evidence on the strong business case for green building – the growth of which is now truly a global phenomenon.
“Green building is playing a critical role in the development of many emerging economies, particularly as their populations grow and create a pressing need for a built environment that is both sustainable and ensures a high quality of life.
“Green Building Councils and their members around the globe will play a pivotal role in delivering this projected growth, and their leadership and expertise will be vital in realising the multiple social, economic and environmental benefits that green buildings offer.”
Chief Sustainability Officer at United Technologies Corporation John Mandyck also commented: “The survey shows that global green building activity continues to double every three years.
“More people recognise the economic and productivity value that green buildings bring to property owners and tenants, along with the energy and water benefits to the environment, which is driving the green building industry’s growth. It’s a win-win for people, planet and the economy.”
