Schools Graded Top Green-Building Segment

New York-based McGraw-Hill Construction reports that education is the fastest growing green-building market sector, based on research conducted in collaboration

New York-based McGraw-Hill Construction reports that education is the fastest growing green-building market sector, based on research conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Green Building Council. Among findings reported on the education market during the USGBC’s Greenbuild 2006:

  • Energy cost savings and other fiscal advantages of green building are a major motivation behind green schools and universities.

  • Improved health and well-being is a critical factor driving education green building, more highly rated in the sector compared to the overall construction marketplace from previous McGraw-Hill and USGBC research.

  • Higher first costs are the primary challenge to building green in education, a trend consistent with other McGraw-Hill research.

The study cites a strong need for information on green building products, especially those related to improving health by reducing mold and indoor air pollutants. The findings are from a qualitative study of green school and university administrators and facility managers. A second research phase scheduled for completion next month includes a broad survey of education facility professionals and in-depth interviews of education building owners. Findings of the entire program will be presented in the Education Green Building SmartMarket Report to be released in early 2007. Additional information on the report or studies can be obtained from McGraw-Hill Construction, [email protected]; 800/591-4462