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.
From Day One to Long-Term Success: Onboarding Strategies for Contractors
January 2026

The construction industry is facing one of its toughest challenges in decades. Companies are struggling to find enough skilled workers while competing to keep the ones they have. At the same time, projects are becoming more complex, deadlines are tighter,

Matt Dibara
Business Management
Read More
Finding the Right PPE for Your Work
January 2026

When it comes to PPE, one thing’s for sure: safety isn’t one size fits all. The work you’re doing, where you’re doing it, and even what time of year it is, can all make a big difference in what gear actually works. Price, comfort, and job performance all

Greg Brown
Safety Library
Read More
Back Injuries: The Real Cost and How to Prevent Them
January 2026

The mention of back injuries makes mason contractors cringe, and for good reason. Masons lift heavy objects every day, all day long. When a person sustains a back injury, it is serious. It affects every part of their life, from their ability to perform wo

Zach Everett
Safety Library
Read More
Detailing for Durability: The 2026 Guide to High-Performance Stone Veneer Transitions
January 2026

Some of the most expensive failures involving manufactured stone veneer installations don’t come from the stone at all, but rather from the material transitions and flashing around it. Transitions are weak points in the overall cladding where water can fi

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