Through 2017, a rebound in construction activity, combined with continuing consumer interest in environmentally friendly products, will propel US growth in green building materials demand 11 percent annually to $86.6 billion. US construction activity declined sharply during much of the 2007-2012 period, but demand for green building materials held its own, boosted by consumer interest in products that could reduce utility bills or promote environmentally friendly construction practices. For instance, homeowners installed ENERGY STAR-certified windows and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to lower energy costs and reduce energy consumption. Gains in residential construction will promote demand for such products as carpeting, gypsum board, concrete, and metal building products.
 
Builders, architects coming to grips with LEED system

For purposes of this study, green building materials are defined as those products that can be used to earn credits toward certification in any of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating systems extant as of February 2013. These materials do not necessarily have to be installed in buildings where LEED accreditation is being sought to be considered green materials. Over the forecast period, builders and architects will increasingly opt to earn high levels of LEED certification by specifying the use of materials that earn LEED points. Solar power products, insulation, concrete made with fly ash, and lumber harvested in a sustainable manner can all contribute to LEED certification, and all are forecast to exhibit demand gains.

ENERGY STAR-compliant HVAC systems, recycled concrete, permeable pavements to see good gains

Solar power products saw explosive growth between 2002 and 2012, driven by increasing installation of rooftopbased solar power modules connected to electricity distribution systems. Going forward, favorable tax incentives and strong interest in the use of renewable energy sources will promote demand for LEED-eligible solar power products.

Recycled concrete, ENERGY STAR-compliant HVAC systems, and permeable pavements are forecast to register above average gains through 2017. Green structural building product demand will be driven by increasing use of recycled concrete, as concrete made with fly ash and other additives features superior performance properties and is less costly than concrete made solely from cement and aggregates. Demand for green building systems will be fueled by strong residential demand for ENERGY STAR-compliant HVAC systems that lower utility bills. Permeable pavement demand will be supported by interest in reducing water runoff and minimizing strains on older sewer and water systems.

Study coverage

Details on these and other findings are contained in Green Building Materials, an upcoming Freedonia industry study available for $5100. It presents historical demand data for 2002, 2007 and 2012, as well as forecasts for 2017 and 2022 by product, market, and region of the US. The study also considers market environment factors, assesses industry structure, evaluates company market share, and profiles 39 players in the US industry, such as Bridgestone, Mohawk Industries, Shaw Industries, Trane, and USG.

Click here to learn more about the report.