Survey Surprises

Green building professionals are busier, more experienced and enthusiastic about their work than ever; however, enthusiasm for LEED certification has dropped a bit.

The 3rd Annual Allen Matkins/CTG/Green Building Insider Green Building Survey (pdf), completed in January 2009, addresses current attitudes toward green buildings, and their risks, costs, certification processes and trends. 93.5% of respondents support green and sustainable construction; but the perceived value of the LEED certification process declined by 10% since the 2007 results.

Why the drop in support of LEED? The survey authors speculate that the financial meltdown of late 2008 contributed as well as increased competition from other certification systems. They also express hope that the new carbon overlay, which calculates the carbon impact of each credit, in LEED 2009 will bring users back to the rating system.

The survey results are both predictable and surprising. For example, the majority of respondents felt that the cost premium for green construction over traditional construction was less than 4% but also indicated that if green elements are included early in the design process, LEED Silver or even Gold projects can be accomplished at no additional cost over traditional construction.

The complete survey is a good reality check on current market conditions. Check it out.

Photo of Ballard Library, Seattle courtesy of Ballard Library