THERE'S no question that 2009 is going to be a tough year for most businesses, with relatively few reasons for optimism. However, growth opportunities that do emerge in 2009 will have a decidedly green flavor due to public policy, growth in green building, and shifting consumer priorities.
At the macro economic level, government policies will tilt toward green more strongly than ever before. Among the announced priorities of the incoming administration, we can expect investment in new school construction and renovations, as well as government building retrofits.
School construction projects will likely incorporate many environmentally friendly elements, including green building materials, energy and water efficient fixtures, and less-toxic finishes.