A year ago, we described sustainable development as “the most vibrant and powerful force to impact the building design and construction field in more than a decade.”
Nothing has happened since to diminish the validity of that statement. If anything, the green building movement is moving at an even faster pace than a year ago. Its impact on the design and
construction industry that we serve cannot be underestimated.
This Progress Report follows up on the recommendations made in our 2003 White Paper; reviews the latest developments in the U.S. Green Building Council’s “LEED” certification program; provides exclusive data on our readers’ involvement in sustainability; examines several key building types (notably education and healthcare facilities) that are crucial to the market we serve; and analyzes key trends and public-policy issues related to sustainable buildings.
The editors conclude this Progress Report with a new “Action Plan” containing what we believe to be constructive recommendations for advancing green building.