Green is taking over! Eco-friendly or sustainable products and structures are becoming commonplace in the U.S. Green buildings are strategically designed to efficiently use natural resources to reduce negative impacts on the environment and human health. While these buildings have generally been thought to only help the planet, recent studies reveal that green buildings also give a large boost to the economy and productivity.

According to the U.S. Green Building Council, between 2009 and 2013, the production of green buildings will contribute $513 billion to the domestic economy and create 7.9 million jobs.  This sizeable increase from the past decade demonstrates the considerable influence sustainability will have on the GDP. Furthermore, productivity and health is shown to increase in green buildings. A survey, "Do Green Buildings Make Dollars and Sense," reveals that employees in green buildings have decreased their use of sick days by an average of 2.88 days. Furthermore, productivity in the workplace improved in green buildings by 16 percent. Additionally beneficial, daily operating costs reduce by 13.6 percent in green buildings. According to 77 percent of the industry, revenues will grow as a result of green building. Sustainable buildings are now proven to provide a higher return on investment by the market demanding high rent and maintaining lower vacancy rates.

Ultimately, green buildings produce a higher resale while offering immense financial savings. These buildings require less maintenance and are more durable to create more comfort for the tenants. Furthermore, green buildings are healthier for the tenant since they disperse less or zero sources of pollution indoors.

With evidence of sustainability's profound impact on the environment and the investor's bottom line, the green movement is developing at a rapid pace. National governments around the world have been funding and implementing new green standards for construction and development. It is exhilarating to see the genuine benefits derived from creating sustainable structures.

View study at: www.usgbc.org/greeneconomy