Looking ahead to 2012

Contractors continue to look for ways to incorporate more sustainable solutions into the products they produce and use. Will this trend toward a more green-friendly environment continue to gain speed and momentum? How much impact will it have? These are just a few of the questions we asked industry experts. Here’s what several of them had to say.

“The untold story is that the transportation design and construction industry has been ‘green’ for many years, including having a recycling record that is unmatched by other industries,” says Beth McGinn, Director of Public Affairs for the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). “Today, firms and agencies are building projects, delivering services and using equipment that are greener, cleaner and leaner. As a result, the industry is delivering a significant return on investment for taxpayers, while simultaneously leaving the environment a better place. This trend will continue in the future because it will be powered by innovation and creative thinking.”

“The U.S. green building market is growing at a remarkable rate,” agrees Anirban Basu, Chief Economist for Associated Builders and Contractors. “According to McGraw-Hill Construction, the value of green building construction starts was up 50% from 2008 to 2010, from $42 billion to a mid-point estimate of $63 billion. According to projections, the green building market is expected to reach $135 billion by 2015. The focus upon the use of green technologies will spread into a growing number of construction segments.”