Green buildinggrows

D UILDING green is rapidly gainI-ling widespread acceptance. according to a new study from the National Association of Home Builders and McGraw-Hill Construction.

This year alone, residential green building is expected to increase 307o-up from a 2OVo increase in 2005. By 2007, some 64Vo of builders will be involved in green projects.

"It's clear that more and more of our members are incorporating environmentally sensitive and resource efficient techniques into traditional home building practices," said Jerry Howard, NAHB executive v.p. and c.e.o. "lt is a natural progression as home builders stay atop market trends."

After several years of slow but steady growth across the country, green home building-which applies innovative and environmentally sensitive construction techniques and products to reduce energy and water consumption and improve residential comfort and safety-is quickly becoming mainstream. By 2010, the value of the residential green building marketplace is expected to rise from $7.4 billion and 27o of housing starts last year to between $19 billion and $38 billion, representing 5Vo to l0va of residential construction activity.

"Green home building is not a fad, but a trend, and one that is increasing at rapid rates," said Harvey Bernstein, v.p.-industry analytics and alliances for McGraw-Hill Construction, which

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