Green Building Trends are changing at a rate of knots due to a combination of improved technology, economics and both consumer and corporate demand. What is inevitable is that new home and commercial construction will always continue so from an environmental perspective seeing which practices are considered the most in demand is of great interest.

The Earth Advantage Institute have formally released what they see as top ten green building trends for 2010, each of which is fascinating in its own right. The changing dynamics of the construction of new building plus improvements to existing ones are crucial to the reduction of energy use and indeed the impact to the local habitat. As with most things making the consumer or business aware of the green building options available is the first step on the road to acceptance and improvement. Giant strides have been made in the last 15 years and the actual implementation of so many eco-schemes is now a reality and I find that exciting. So on to that list!

1. The Smart Grid and Connected Home - Not only is this the fastest growing trend its also one that technology has made both affordable and achievable to the masses. Another selling point is that the dividends in energy and use are instant which always helps a new concept find an audience. Being able to view your energy use (even down to specific appliance) on a real time display and customise usage to work with your providers peak and off-peak costs is so logical that consumers are embracing the option rather readily. The budget conscious and the strategic are enjoying targeting reduction of energy use and the initial investment is reasonably nominal.

2. Energy Labeling for Homes and Business - This concept is truly leveling the playing field if you are in the market for a new home or business location. It allows for house to house (or business to business) comparisons to be made when evaluating the energy efficiency of the property and educated buyers are taking not. It also allows those looking to sell a property to best ascertain the needed improvements to make their property more attractive for a buyer who is evaluating energy efficiencies. Some states have even added mandates to ensure any property receives an official energy score at the time of transaction as part of the official audit when selling or buying.

3. Building Information Software -  Advances in CAD software have taken the design process from the theoretical to the real time evaluation level. The projected performance of a new construction can be reviewed and used to impact the actual nature of design. Via complex measurements the forecasted efficiency performance of a building can be measured pre-construct, whilst this benefit is currently aimed at larger buildings look for it to soon be an option for smaller and independent builders so that the housing market see the benefit in the years ahead.

4. Financial Community supporting Green Building - This is really key and will prove instrumental as the market and mentality continue to evolve. The same way your driving habits impact your insurances, borrowers are now valuing your eco-sensibility for making reduced rate loans and providing insurance. The rule of thumb being that lenders see eco-buyers as a better investment and more likely to provide better maintenance of their homes or offices.

5. ‘Rightsizing’ of Homes - Bigger is better was the predominant logic in home construction and appreciation until we finally stopped and smelled the roses. The rising costs of energy coupled with the need for better urban planning are resulting in the large end of the market proving to be a poor investment in relative terms. The housing market remains cautious at best and property as an investment is not the ’safe money’ it was a decade ago means tying up your funds in a large home is no longer very attractive. Couple that with interest rates that will change and the move to smaller homes is in no doubt.

Part two of the list in the days ahead.

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Tags: CAD software, Connected Home, Earth advantage institute, energy conservation, energy efficiency, energy labeling, Energy Star, green building, green building material, green building trends, green lending, Green Living, housing market, planet forward, Smart Grid

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