Study: Green Building to Support Nearly 8 Million Jobs Over Next 4 Years

Despite a challenging economic outlook, green construction will support 7.9 million U.S. jobs and pump $554 billion into the American economy–including $396 billion in wages–over the next four years (2009-2013), according to a new study from the U.S. Green Building Council and Booz Allen Hamilton. The study also determined that green construction spending currently supports more than 2 million American jobs and generates more than $100 billion in gross domestic product and wages.

The economic impact of the total green construction market from 2000 to 2008, the study found, contributed $178 billion to U.S. gross domestic product; created or saved 2.4 million direct, indirect and induced jobs; and generated $123 billion in wages.

The study was released at the USGBC’s annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo earlier this month.

The economic impact of the total green construction market:

Contribution to the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP)

2000-2008: $173 billion
2009-2013 forecast: $554 billion

Jobs created or saved (includes direct, indirect and induced jobs)

2000-2008: 2.4 million
2009-2013 forecast: 7.9 million

Wages

2000-2008: $123 billion
2009-2013 forecast: $396 billion

Energy savings

2000-2008: $1.3 billion saved
2009-2013 forecast: $6 billion saved

Get the full report here.

Craig DiLouie

See Full Bio