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Developing markets will speed up green building worldwide, according to a new report.
More than 1,000 building professionals across the globe participated in Dodge Data & Analytics’ World Green Building Trends 2016 study. Respondents gave insight into their current green activity, future expectations and drivers.
Green building continues to double every three years. (PRNewsFoto/UTC Climate, Controls & Security)
The percentage of all firms expecting more than 60 percent of their projects to be green-certified nearly doubles from 2015 to 2018. Given daylighting, occupant comfort and energy performance considerations, glazing should factor in.
Mature green markets such as North America, Europe and Australia, expect moderate growth through 2018. Developing markets tell a different story.
The amount of respondents in Asia and South Africa expecting more than 60 percent of their projects to be green nearly triples from 2015 to 2018. The Middle East/North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa expect that number to more than double.
Commercial construction remains the largest sector for anticipated green activity overall. However, institutional has closed the gap. Respondents also expect an uptick in green retrofits in existing buildings.
According to the survey, client demand and environmental regulations are the top two triggers of green building. Market demand has become slightly less of a trigger, as has the “right thing to do” category.
“Clearly, recognition by owners of the benefits of green is critical to sustaining green markets globally,” Dodge’s report reads.
So what’s keeping the green building momentum from moving even faster?
For most of the markets, higher perceived first costs is a major concern. The U.S. leads that charge, as 70 percent of respondents in the U.S. listed cost as one of their top three obstacles. Meanwhile, lack of political support and awareness were top obstacles in many developing markets.
Dodge produced the study with United Technologies, in association with Saint-Gobain and the U.S. Green Building Council. Out of 69 participating countries, the study produced significant data analysis from 13. The full results of the research will be available in the first quarter of 2016.
