According to the 2009 Green Building Market & Impact Report released Nov. 5 by GreenerBuildings.com, floor area certified by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system is estimated to reach 7 billion square feet worldwide in 2009.
More than 350 million square feet of LEED buildings will be certified by the end of 2009, tripling the number from 2008 and exceeding all certified floor area to date by more than 30 percent.
According to the study, LEED for Existing Buildings certified almost 15 percent more floor area in 2009 – more than 10 million square feet – than did LEED for New Construction, and added 65 percent more floor area.
ABC’s members have been on the forefront of green building since its inception and recognize the importance of sustainability both on and off the jobsite. As a counterpoint to LEED which certifies buildings, ABC’s Green Contractor Certification program is designed to recognize construction companies that implement green practices and principals at their workplace environments, including their headquarters, branch offices and jobsite offices.
For more information about ABC’s Green Contractor Certification, LEED or the latest news about green building, visit www.greenconstructionatwork.com.