Green Jobs in Construction

The Construction Industry is in a strong position to help steer the economy into a more sustainable environment by choosing more green or eco-friendly practices to protect the natural environment. Through new and innovative construction materials and practices, job growth in the construction industry could triple from 1 million workers to 3 million by 2013, with an estimated value of 53 billion dollars into the economy according to the U.S. Greenbuilding Council and The Booz Allen study. These estimates did not include employment by suppliers, manufactures, transportation or any other construction related job growth.

 Well, what is “green construction”?

Green Construction is the practice of building structures that leave little to no impact on the environment, while using a goal of up to 100% recycled materials. The buildings must also be energy and resource efficient. The goal is to add to the natural environment, not subtract from it.

The benefits of the “green” construction doesn’t necessarily mean just saving the planet, but  instead going green in this industry means a drop in cost for products which can be produced locally and energy and operation efficiency.  85 to 90 percent of construction waste is recyclable, and because of that, fewer raw materials are needed to produce various construction products, which translate into less transportation cost. Plastic and rubber are recycled and formed to emulate wood shakes or slate, and the result is a very durable, sustainable roofing material-and that is just recycled roofing shingles.

The change in construction practices could change the economic landscape in the U.S dramatically. Manufacturing would have to race to keep up to the demand, which would also create more innovative green technology. Jobs all across the American would grow from the result of Going Green.