Christopher Hunter's Blog

As the green initiative is becoming increasingly relevant, many companies are seeking to boost energy efficiency in order to minimize costs. Recent surveys indicate that the lure of lower utility costs have prompted an increase in green building. According to McGraw Hill Construction,  51% of companies say that most (at least 60%) of their buildings will be certified as being green by 2015, up from 28% in 2012 and 13% in 2009. Harvey Bernstein of McGraw Hill states that “it’s a business decision”, claiming that saving money — not the environment — is their primary motive. A second report released by Turner Construction revealed that 90% of corporate executives are committed to green construction, mainly to lower maintenance cost.

While this increase in the usage of green technology may not necessarily be intended for the greater good, it is still beneficial to society as a whole. As well, a company can differentiate their service by gaining a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Preserving the world’s natural resources is the responsibility of every individual both at work and at home; it’s fortunate that the lower utility costs that come with being sustainable encourage businesses to go green.

Sources:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/11/14/green-building-surge-leds-windows/1701921/

http://www.greenbusinessalliance.com/go-green.aspx