Experts Project Green Building Spending to Increase Through 2017

Growth in homebuilding and general construction activity will be buoyed continuing consumer interest in green building products (like permeable pavers, pictured), increasing their market share relative to non-green alternatives. The latest version of LEED will include a life cycle analysis of building materials used in projects up for certification, increasing the spotlight on sustainable, durable materials.

According to Green Building Materials, a market research report from The Freedonia Group, a rebound in construction activity will propel growth in green building materials to $86.6 billion in the U.S. by 2017, averaging an 11 percent increase annually.

Growth in construction will promote demand for products like carpeting, gypsum board, concrete, and metal-building products, while products that contribute to earning LEED certification will see an additional boost in sales. Exterior products, such as energy-efficient windows and green roofing, will remain the largest market segment.

"Green building products such as recycled concrete, ENERGY STAR-compliant HVAC systems, and permeable pavement are forecast to see substantial gains through 2017," according to the study. "Recycled concrete will see rising use, as concrete made with fly ash and other additives feature superior performance properties and are less costly than concrete made solely from cement and aggregates."