Dec. 19, 2007 Software company Autodesk says growing awareness of green building design and construction has been good for business. In a recent interview with ZDNet Asia, Autodesk VP Patrick Williams credits the green-building trend with an uptick in demand for 3D modeling software.

"There is a huge interest in efficiently using the natural resources available to keep energy consumption down, to reduce the waste that is created [during construction], to keep your carbon footprint at the smallest," says Patrick. "Rising waste and cost of energy are some inefficiencies that come along with [designing on paper]," Patrick says.

By contrast, 3D modeling enables designers to calculate necessary materials "down to a single brick," according to Patrick. Companies can save up to 40% in materials costs by using design software, he says.

In October, Autodesk unveiled a new design curriculum for architects, developed in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council. The curriculum promotes the use of 3D modeling software in building design.

View select green building projects in 3D here, courtesy of Google Earth.