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USGBC Launches Consumer Education Campaign

The majority of homebuilders expect to be moderately or heavily involved in green building practices by mid-2007.

Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 10/4/2006 12:00:00 AM

As designers and architects develop and hone green building techniques, consumers are just beginning to understand the process. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), with help from developer Newland Communities, seeks to change this. At the Clinton Global Initiative Conference in New York last week, the two announced a comprehensive, year-long campaign to educate consumers on the benefits of green building.

According to USGBC statistics, green homes are up to 50 percent more energy efficient than traditional homes—a fact that could have a major impact in the battle against climate change. Sustainable construction methods are slowly becoming a significant component of each project, says LaDonna Monsees, president and CEO of Newland Communities. "Consumers and home builders are becoming more aware of the need to shift to more earth-friendly products and building standards," she reports.

Plus, a recent report by McGraw-Hill Smart Market suggests the majority of home builders expect to be moderately or heavily involved in green building practices by mid-2007.

As the project unfolds, the USGBC will add an online education resource to its Web site, featuring the latest news and information on green building.