Despite a slowdown in overall construction across the country, consumers and builders are still moving forward with projects and products that are more Earth-friendly.
In the latest issue of iGreenBuild.com, writer Jerry Yudelson lists the top 10 green building trends. He writes, "What we’re seeing is that more people are going green each year, and there is nothing on the horizon that will stop this trend."
When gathering the information, Yudelson spoke with green building leaders in the United States, Canada, Europe and the Middle East. The list includes obvious trends, such as energy and water conservation, but Yudelson also predicts green building will continue to grow more than 60 percent in 2009.
He also says green building "will benefit from the new Obama presidency, with a strong focus on green jobs in energy efficiency, new green technologies and renewable energy. This trend will last for at least the next four years."
Another major trend is the switch from building new green buildings to greening existing buildings, and LEED platinum-rated projects will become more commonplace as building owners, designers and construction teams learn how to design for higher levels of LEED achievement on conventional budgets.
The use of solar, which many self-storage facilities are already using, will have a bigger role as the government extends solar energy tax credits.
Regardless if you're planning a new facility or own an existing one, looking at green is a good business move. It could save you money, attract green-minded tenants or just set you apart from the other facilities in town.
If you are "going green" at your facility, tell us about it by posting a comment or drop me an e-mail, [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you.