Poll: Only 4% Know Buildings Are Leading GHG Source
According to the American Institute of Architects, buildings are the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, but in a new poll conducted by Harris Interactive and commissioned by Autodesk, Inc., only 4 percent of U.S. adults were aware of this fact, according to a Nov. 12 press release.
"The results of the survey reveal an urgent need to raise awareness with the American public about the role of buildings in climate change," said Jay Bhatt, senior vice president, Autodesk AEC Solutions. "This is especially important given that half the buildings in which Americans will live, play, and work by 2030 have yet to be built. We believe that the building industry has a responsibility to do all we can to promote the creation of, and generate increased demand for, much more cost-effective and energy-efficient buildings."
The Green Building Awareness survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Autodesk between Sept. 30 and Oct. 6, among 2,682 adults ages 18 and older. The survey also revealed that 77 percent believe that constructing a green or highly energy-efficient building costs more than constructing a typical building, with 35 percent believing it costs a lot more.
The Costs and Financial Benefits of Green Buildings, a study funded by the state of California's Sustainable Building Task Force, found that spending as little as about 2 percent to support green design up-front would, on average, result in lifecycle savings of 20 percent of total construction costs -- an average of 10 times the initial investment.
To see the full results of the survey, visit www.autodesk.com/greenbuild08.