The nation’s home builders anticipate the value of the residential green building marketplace to grow from $7.4 billion in 2005 to more than $19 billion by 2010, according to the “Residential Green Building SmartMarket Report,” a joint study from McGraw-Hill Construction and the National Association of Home Builders. According to the report, the number of home builders constructing green homes grew by 20% last year and a 30% increase is expected this year. Among the reasons more home builders are incorporating green building techniques include “it’s the right thing to do,” the desire to improve energy efficiencies and lower costs, and green building techniques help limit exposure to liability on issues such as water leaks and mold.

While more home builders are producing green homes, there are still challenges in the marketplace. Nearly 80% of those surveyed indicated that consumers are unwilling to pay additional costs for a green home and need to be educated on the benefits of green building concepts.