The following was extracted from: http://www.shiftingintothemainstream.ca/the_summit/index.htm

Once seen as a niche market, green building practices are poised to enter the mainstream construction industry. Rising energy prices, environmental concerns, worker productivity and falling costs for green building construction and technologies are just some of the factors driving significant growth; the volume of business for green products and services is estimated to reach $80 billion between now and 2015. Such growth presents both challenges and opportunities.

Building owners, tenants and home owners alike are becoming more and more aware of the impact that their real estate has on climate change and the environment. They are facing increasing social responsibility pressures and with carbon taxes now on the horizon, they are looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

This is creating a tidal wave of sustainability initiatives resulting in significant construction and retrofit opportunities. What companies will be there to meet these demands? How are they scaling up to meet these evolving needs? Where are they recruiting the resources needed to perform design, engineering and construction work as Canada goes through an infrastructure redevelopment boom never before experienced? What innovative products are being developed to support building owners in reducing their GHG emissions?

As public awareness grows, governments are under increasing pressure to curb growth in greenhouse gases, and to develop policies that will lead to a reduction of GHG’s. Many provinces are now adopting policies and targets that will do just this. At the same time, utility companies are offering incentive programs and support to industry to help them deliver more efficient buildings, putting less strain on limited infrastructure and more emphasis on demand side management.

Shifting into the mainstream requires a significant increase in awareness and skills of both established professionals, and those just entering the workforce. Educating and re-educating existing and next generation owners, architects, engineers, interior designers, and trades people is essential for industry to take advantage of the growing demand for green buildings. Universities, colleges and professional and trade associations will need to develop programs that will meet current and future needs for green building skills.