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Sustainable construction is gaining momentum in the U.S., driven by demands for lower emissions, reduced waste, and smarter building practices. The U.S. commercial green construction market is projected to grow from $179.2 million last year to $329.3 million by 2030.
Dan Pollard, Production Director at Thurston Group, outlined five key trends expected to transform the industry over the next decade:
- Industrialized, tech-driven building – Factories will deliver modular buildings with robotics, automation, and AI-enabled systems, improving efficiency, reducing waste and enhancing safety.
- Low-carbon materials as the standard – Materials such as green concrete, low-carbon steel and recyclable modular components will become the default, paired with smart building fabrics that boost energy efficiency.
- Digital tools for all phases – Digital twins, simulations and factory-integrated monitoring will allow projects to be optimized from design through completion while ensuring compliance with safety and carbon regulations.
- Policy and incentives accelerate adoption – Federal initiatives like Buy Clean and Sustainable Federal Buildings, along with frameworks such as LEED and BREEAM, are driving low-carbon construction and rewarding verifiable supply chains.
- Circular, net-zero communities by 2040 – Emphasis on durability, disassembly, and material reuse, combined with clean energy policies, will make fully recyclable, net-zero communities the standard.
Sustainable construction is reshaping the industry, helping firms lower carbon emissions, use materials more efficiently and build more resilient structures.
