In 2000, according to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, green construction starts were valued at approximately $200 million. In 2010, that number is projected to be $60 billion – a 300-fold increase.

Today’s benchmark for going green is LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), issued by the United States Green Building Council.

Marvin Windows and Doors is a member of the USGBC and supports the LEED program.

LEED guidelines have become a template for builders and designers not only in the United States, but around the world, with thousands of commercial and residential projects being certified each year.

A recent study by the CoStar group – an information provider to commercial realtors – indicates significant increases in value to LEED property owners, both renting and selling:

• 4% higher occupancy rates
• $11.33 more in per square foot rent premiums
• $171 more in per square foot resale prices

Criteria for LEED certification include:

• Sustainable Site Development
• Water Savings
• Energy Efficiency
• Materials
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Locations & Linkages
• Awareness & Education
• Innovation in Design

With flexible designs and thousands of customization options, Marvin’s long-lasting and energy-efficient windows and doors can be an integral part of any project’s LEED certification.

We make significant use of recycled glass and aluminum in our products and our recyclable packaging minimizes waste. We’re members of and support many major organizations devoted to sustainable building.

Marvin is dedicated to producing enduring, energy efficient products in ways that will support a greener future.

Image credit: Army Environmental Update via flickr.com

Editor’s note: As part of Marvin Windows and Doors’ ongoing coverage of the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, we’re publishing occasional pieces on trends and topics in the building industry. Check here regularly throughout the week for other news, trends, products, interviews and photos from the floor of the year’s largest gathering in the homebuilding industry.

The end of 2009 brought many encouraging signals for the building and remodeling industries.

• Existing home sales hit their highest monthly level in almost three years
• Spending on remodeling and home improvements surged 8.7% in October
• New home inventories were cut in half between January and October
• Existing home inventories also were down sharply
• The S&P/Case-Shiller 10- and 20-city home price indexes logged four straight months of increases
• Industrial production, retail sales and GDP all posted multiple monthly increases

At Marvin, we saw strong demand for our Marvin and Integrity replacement products, assisted by the $1,500 federal energy efficiency tax credit.

While nobody doubts that there are still challenges ahead for the homebuilding industry, it’s been a great feeling in recent months to hear some positive news.

Image Credit: Concrete Forms via flickr.com