Construction of Green Homes on the Rise

By Joel ScanlonMar 30 2012

A recent study conducted by McGraw-Hill Construction has revealed that the construction of new green homes is on the rise.

According to the report, which was released at the International Builder’s Show in Orlando, green homes comprised 17% of the total construction market in 2011 and is likely to reach 29% to 38% of the total home construction market by 2016. A majority of builders believe that 90% of all their projects will be focused on green homes.

This finding has motivated many home designers and builders such as The House Designers to create innovative and environment friendly homes. The home designing company has partnered with ENERGY STAR to encourage all architects and designers to come up with innovative solutions in terms of home plans. The House Designers are providers of residential house plans through the internet and is holding a competition called the ENERGY STAR/Green House Plan to encourage new green home designs. The current year’s competition is being judged by a panel comprising popular residential designer Larry Garnett, RESNET Home Energy Rater based in Connecticut Michael Cohen and the Publisher and editorial director of Professional Builder Patrick O’Toole. The winners of the competition will be announced on June 1 2012 at the ENERGY STAR awards banquet held annually at Austin, Texas. Six winning entries along with 12 more from the competition will be featured in the Green Builder Magazine. Winners were chosen on the basis of innovative designs, technical details and features in terms of green building products and systems provided to enhance the efficiency of the building. Winners from last year’s competition can be viewed at the collection approved by ENERGY STAR.

Source: http://www.thehousedesigners.com