Multi-family construction looking ‘greener’

The National Association of Home Builders has released results from a survey of multi-family builders and developers, showing that professionals in the multi-family market are becoming more interested in building green.

Seventy-four percent of respondents said that buyers and renters are willing to pay more for green amenities, though the median additional amount they are willing to pay is about 2 percent.

The survey also found the following:

89 percent of respondents are installing energy-efficient appliances and lighting in their multi-family communities.

79 percent are using windows with low-emittance (Low-E) glass, which helps block the transfer of radiant heat by using a special coating.

64 percent are using recycled and recyclable products.

50 percent are using significantly more insulation than required by the building code, a number that rises to 70 percent of West Coast respondents.