Green building and sustainability

Words: Karen HickeyAccording to a recent study by Dodge Data & Analytics, global green building is expected to double by 2018. The report found that the percentage of firms expecting to have more than 60 percent of their projects certified – by LEED or another green building program – is expected to grow from 18 percent currently to 37 percent.

Not surprisingly, the top sector for green building growth is commercial construction. EnvironmentalLeader.com reported, “The study found that almost half – 46 percent – of respondents expect to build a green commercial project in the next three years.” The website continued: “Similar to other recent studies, this one finds the No. 1 business benefit to green building is lower operating costs, such as reduced energy costs and total lifecycle costs.”

The contribution of masonry to green building, LEED certification and other sustainability efforts is obviously continuing to grow as well, and mason contractors must keep pace. Therefore, the April issue of Masonry Magazine features an article with some essential information on the new LEED v4 system. It’s all part of perpetuating a sustainable construction industry for the future.

The issue also offers some practical information on using anchors and renting equipment.

Finally, we provide a final wrap-up of the BRICKLAYER 500™ World Championship that took place in February at the 2016 World of Concrete.
Bonding with Masonry 2026: Q1
February 2026

This issue’s questions come from a Mason Contractor and an Engineer. What questions do you have? Send them to info@masonrymagazine.com, attention Technical Talk. Q. A Mason Contractor states they were asked to construct a brick veneer on a multi-story pr

David Biggs
Bonding with Masonry
Read More
No Shortcuts: The Journey of Real Stone
February 2026

Have you ever stopped and really thought about how that stone on the wall got there? I don’t mean the install...not the mortar, the scratch coat, or the clean-up. I mean the whole journey. From the first cut in the earth to the

Rob McKay
Technical Talks
Read More
Stop Gambling on the Wall: Why the Modern Jobsite Demands a Sure Thing
February 2026

If you have spent any time walking the carpeted aisles of the World of Concrete, you know the vibe. It is a sensory overload of heavy machinery, slick demos, and the collective optimism of thousands of contractors. We are in Las Vegas, the gambling capita

Shayne Sanders
Technical Talks
Read More
Helical Beaming: Strengthening Masonry from the Inside Out
February 2026

In the world of masonry restoration and retrofit, the goal is always the same: preserve the character and craftsmanship of historic structures while ensuring their long-term stability. But anyone who has worked on century-old brick or stone buildings know

Tiffany Tillema
Technical Talks
Read More
Interested in working with us? Learn about and join the Masonry Alliance Program →