Green Building Market Study Shows 250% Growth In Alternative Rating Systems

Posted by Heidi Schwartz

The Green Building Initiative (GBI) notes the key findings of the juFM Alertst released biennial Green Building Market Barometer by Turner Construction. Turner’s 2014 Green Building Market Barometer shows that interest in Green Globes and other alternative building rating systems is up 250% in two years since 2012.

According to the study of more than 300 market participants executives, “Respondents … expressed a significantly increased interest in alternative rating systems such as Green Globes, EnergyStar and others, with 43% of respondents saying they would be extremely or very likely to seek alternative certification [from LEED®], significantly more than the 2012 number of 17%.”

“The market for green building certification is clearly changing,” said Jerry Yudelson, GBI’s President, “with building owners more interested in cost-effective rating systems that help them design and operate commercial properties. We view this as a positive sign for the future growth of the Green Globes family of green building rating systems.”

Other highlights of the study state that “the financial factors most highly rated in the decision making process to incorporate green features in construction projects were energy efficiency, asking rents, ongoing operations and maintenance costs, and occupancy rates.”

Additionally, “attention to benefits on employees and occupants is increasing; recognizing the importance of an organization’s reputation for sustainability in its ability to attract and retain talented employees, employee hiring/retention was rated as extremely or very important by 62% of executives, up from 49% in the 2012 survey.”

“Green Globes serves owners’ most important priorities: cutting future operating costs, reducing energy spending and sending a positive signal of sustainability commitment to their stakeholders. A Green Globes certification supports these priorities and indicates significant achievement in sustainable design, construction and operations,” said Yudelson.