AIA Study: Green Wave

According to an article recently published in AIArchitect for the week of December 7, 2007, the American Institute of Architects recently completed a study of current green building laws and the effectiveness of green building programs in American cities with a population of more than 50,000.

The numbers in the study evidence the green wave that has been flowing over our country. Nearly 15 percent, or 1 in 7 surveyed cities, currently have green building programs. When considering projections based on green programs currently in the advanced stage of development, the percentage increases to 20 percent. Because of urban density living patterns, 39 percent of US citizens or approximately 42 million Americans live in cities with green building programs. Since 2003, the number of cities with green building programs has increased by a factor of four.

Although the green building movement is still fairly new, it is taking root and flourishing. For those readers who prefer keeping their heads buried in the sand, watch out for the wave. (This entry published by Ken Michael, a member of Womble Carlyle's construction law practice group.)