Demand for green building materials is projected to expand 13% annually to $71.1 billion in 2015, slightly outpacing the growth of building construction expenditures over that period as green materials continue to account for an increasing share of materials used. These and other trends are presented in Green Building Materials, a new study from Cleveland-based market researcher The Freedonia Group, which anticipates the largest value gain over the next five years will be from concrete products bearing recycled content, such as fly ash and blast furnace slag.
The report predicts the value of concrete products will increase nearly $11 billion to $16.2 billion from low 2010 levels around $5.5 billion. In addition to the recovery in construction, green concrete products are expected to continue to gain market share because the use of recycled materials in mixes reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills, while often improving finished slab or structure performance. While the rising use of green materials will support gains, the most important driver for demand will be the expected rebound in the construction market from low 2010 levels.
Demand for a number of green building products is expected to post gains in excess of 20% annually through 2015, benefiting from greater availability, environmental concern and more stringent regulatory or building code standards, coupled with construction market rebound. In addition to concrete featuring recycled content, these products are water-efficient plumbing fixtures and fittings, energy-efficient lighting fixtures and permeable pavement. However, with the exception of recycled concrete, the market for most of these materials is fairly small and the additional demand will be relatively modest in value terms.
Additional information on the 332-page Green Building Materials, priced at $4,900 from The Freedonia Group, is available from Corinne Gangloff, 440-684-9600; fax: 440-646-0484; e-mail: [email protected]; www.freedoniagroup.com.
