Despite the general weakness in new construction due to the global recession, one building-related field has continued to grow: retrofits tied to improving the efficiency of facilities. A number of factors have been driving this growth, including the need to improve the energy performance of buildings for cost savings as well as the desire to obtain green building certification. A new white paper from Pike Research identifies 10 key trends that are having a strong influence on the worldwide building industry.

“Buildings account for about a third of global energy use, and as much as 40% of energy consumed in the United States. Therefore, they represent a prime opportunity for efficiency improvements,” says senior analyst Mike Wapner. “As such, the commercial building sector is becoming an increasingly attractive market for technology and service companies alike. From energy management systems to LED lighting, the industry is in a period of strong technological innovation.”

Wapner adds that, in addition to emerging technologies, the regulatory and policy environment for building efficiency is dynamic, as well. Building codes, mandatory disclosure rules, and other regulations related to energy efficiency are developing quickly around the world, and new financing options are emerging to support the business case for energy efficiency retrofits.

Pike Research’s building efficiency industry predictions for 2011 and beyond include the following:

- Energy codes will keep raising the bar and enforcement is catching up.

- Mandatory disclosure rules will incentivize building owners to invest in energy efficiency.

- The pace of building certification will increase, led by LEED.

- Building energy management systems are in high demand.

- The U.S. ESCO market will see moderate growth and ESCOs in Asia Pacific’s developing markets will advance rapidly.

- Lighting: 2011 will not yet be “The Year of the LED”.

- The connection between efficient buildings and the smart grid will continue to grow.

- An increasing number of financing options will continue to emerge to support building efficiency programs.

- PACE is a financing option struggling to overcome a roadblock of its own.

- Systemic conditions, policy choices, and practical considerations will continue to present barriers to achieving energy efficiency, but investments in training, information access, and technology will gradually overcome many of them.