Once seen as a niche market, green building practices are poised to enter the mainstream construction industry. Rising energy prices, environmental concerns, worker productivity and falling costs for green building construction and technologies are just some of the factors driving significant growth; the volume of business for green products and services is estimated to reach $80 billion between now and 2015. Such growth presents both challenges and opportunities.

Building owners, tenants and home owners alike are becoming more and more aware of the impact that their real estate has on climate change and the environment. They are facing increasing social responsibility pressures and with carbon taxes now on the horizon, they are looking to reduce their carbon footprint.