‘Green Building Has Definitely Reached Its Upper Tipping Point,’ McGraw-Hill Finds
Submitted by EnergyTechStocks.com
Two reports from McGraw-Hill Companies’ construction unit serve to alert investors that “green building” continues to surge in the U.S. and around the world despite the economic downturn. “Green building has reached its upper tipping point,” according to a McGraw-Hill unit executive. “Green building gives builders that opportunity to expand their market share and ride out this economic slump.”
The two reports – one highlighting the U.S. market, the other global activity – found that green building is growing in every region of the world. It is growing fastest in Asia, according to McGraw-Hill, which predicted that nearly three out of four builders will have gone green by 2013 compared with one out of three today. Globally, McGraw-Hill found that more than half of all builders expected to be largely dedicated to green building by 2013, compared with just three out of 10 today, with six out of every 10 building projects featuring green designs and products.
How can investors make money? The reports suggest there will be rapid growth in all areas of green building, but especially in use of wind and geothermal energy, with wind power use expected to nearly triple and geothermal use to double by 2013. In the U.S., energy and water efficiency appear likely to be very strong over the next few years, with sales of products such as water-efficient plumbing fixtures and Energy Star-rated appliances particularly robust.
The reports provide further evidence that green building may be critical for pulling the U.S. out of its housing crisis. Sixty percent of U.S. builders said that homebuyers are willing to pay more for a green home.
Where to find specific companies that are likely to benefit from this ongoing green building boom? The best place to look is the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s Web site, which lists numerous companies that manufacture products that meet the EPA’s standard for high energy efficiency. Just like a “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval,” an Energy Star seal of approval is going to become the yardstick by which all green building products are measured.
