A focus on energy efficiency is the most important development and design strategy that is making new housing greener, according to a recent industry survey.
McGraw Hill Construction’s (MHC) data and analytics team surveyed a set of NAHB single-family and multifamily members in 2013. The survey found that 62 percent of single-family builders and 54 percent of multifamily developers are doing more than 15 percent of their projects as green. For single-family, 19 percent of builders are doing more than 90 percent of projects as green. The survey indicates that increasing consumer interest is a reason for growth in this area. MHC defines a green home as “one that is either built to a recognized green building standard or an energy- and water-efficient home that also addresses indoor air quality and/or resource efficiency.”
According to the report, 75 percent of single-family and 84 percent of multifamily builders indicated that improved energy efficiency was a factor making their projects more green than two years ago.
The second leading factor was improved indoor environmental quality. Fifty-eight percent of single-family builders and 55 percent of multifamily developers cited this as a reason why their current projects are more green.
Other leading factors include more water-conserving products/practices and material conservation and recycling.
However, the data from the survey also show that only 11 percent of single-family builders and remodelers are constructing homes that are greener in 2013 than in 2011. This result makes sense given the start-and-stop nature of the housing recovery and tight credit conditions of recent years.
View this original post on the NAHB Eye on Housing blog.
Courtland Building Company, Inc’s., Green Design Features include both natural ventilation, through the use of opening windows, wind pressure aided ventilation, and attic vent fans…. and is based upon the positioning of the home on the lot, the sun & prevailing winds. Find out more about our Green Building Features in the video below.
Follow Us on Facebook – Twitter – LinkedIn– Google Plus