As green technology develops, the cost for energy efficient buildings is slowly coming down. The drive for energy savings in light of energy costs and environmental concerns is blossoming into a full blown industry. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is now the benchmark for green construction.

By next year, it is estimated that at least 10% of all new construction projects will be green construction under LEED certification. The current green building construction market sits at roughly $60 billion. The upcoming Waxman-Markey Bill, also known as the American Energy Act, is going to reduce the allowable energy consumption for current buildings and future construction projects. The bill would require an immediate cut of 30% in energy consumption for current constructions and then up to 50% in 5 years and finally 75% in 20 years.

Construction Contracts Going Forward

LEED certification is going to drive the green construction market as government contracts will now have energy usage clauses. Contractors will need to use the techniques set out by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in order to stay competitive and meet proposal requirements. This change will be a significant shift in building practices that will require training and personnel with LEED certification on staff.

Buildings constructed under LEED guidelines use resources more efficiently and with less wasted energy than conventional structures. Certified structures also often provide a more healthy work and living environment while improving air and water quality and reducing solid waste.

Upfront costs for LEED certification in construction can be mitigated as the proper training programs and special material usage becomes more widespread. Reductions in building operations costs will also return that upfront cost and provide long term savings. Early studies are suggesting that an investment of 2% upfront will yield ten times that amount over the life cycle of the building. These reasons, combined with the environmental impact, are the reason why government contracts are going to begin mandating these practices.

Current Building Energy Usage

Projects to bring existing buildings into compliance are going to explode within a few short years. Less than 10% of existing corporate structures are currently undergoing renovation to meet the new standards, the other 90% will soon be following suit. In order to meet the proposed bill, a total auditing program is needed to assess opportunities to save energy in existing businesses and homes without compromising the durability and usability of the structure. Energy audit training is quickly going to become paramount in the building renovation market.

The Building Performance Institute (BPI) is a national organization that has established procedures for analyzing and correcting issues in building energy usage. Energy audit training programs that train personnel for their BPI certification will give contractors a lead in being able to perform green renovations and secure future contracts.

LEED certification and energy audit training leading to BPI certification are the tools that builders will need to utilize in the coming years to meet government regulations and be awarded government contracts. Investing in the training and certification programs now gives those who are looking forward a head start in securing a stake in the growing green construction market.

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on LEED certification, visit http://www.cleanedison.com/.

[tags]LEED certification[/tags]