MCAA 2007 Convention: Green -- The New Color Of Construction
McGraw Hill Construction projects that, by 2010, between 5 and 10 percent of new nonresidential construction will incorporate energy-saving green building methods. That’s a $10 billion to $20 billion market.
The importance of “green” construction techniques was featured throughout many of the events that took place at the MCAA’s Annual Convention, Feb. 25-March 1, Orlando, Fla.
“We need to lead the charge and not just go along for the ride,” Kruse explained. “We can provide responsible leadership to those developing mechanical and plumbing green building standards to ensure that sustainable construction is done right.”
The association has added the tag line “We build it greener” to its logo. While the group’s logo still remains the same, the MCAA will use the logo on letterhead and promotional copy whenever it undertakes a green endeavor.
Tom Hicks, U.S. Green Building Council, gave an update on the organization’s well-known Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program during the “Profitable Promise” session.
More important than the comments he made in his presentation were the answers he gave to questions on the role water use plays in the LEED accreditation. More than a few mechanical contractors have raised the issue that water takes a backseat to energy.
Hicks said the USGBC is currently making various improvements to the existing program. The future LEED program may mean more points for water conservation, and could possibly add more points to the total for areas of the country where water use is particularly crucial.
