Oct. 1, 2008 - More than half of companies surveyed in 45 countries say they expect the majority of their properties to be green by 2013, according to a new report.

The number of businesses greening their facilities will jump 23% over the next five years, according to McGraw Hill Construction survey of early market adopters.

Such explosive growth will be largely driven by financially considerations, according to the report (86% of firms expect rapid or steady growth in sales and profit levels associated with green building), but the top driver, respondents say, is that green building is "the right thing to do."

"Supporting the domestic economy" is the prominent driver in Africa and the Middle East, while "environmental regulations" are driving market activity in Asia and Europe.

Solar power is the most popular form of renewable energy in every region, used by 52% of industry professionals today and expected to grow to 76% in the next five years. The most dramatic growth, however, is expected in wind power use (57% expected in 2013, up from 20% today), followed closely by geothermal power (expected to double from 22% today to 45% in 2013).

"Firms around the world are awakening to the positive business, environmental and societal impacts of green building, and there is a growing need for market intelligence about global and regional trends," says Andrew Bowerbank, executive director of the World Green Building Council. "The level and nature of market activity varies by region, but overall we are seeing widespread growth as green becomes increasingly visible throughout the global marketplace."

To order a copy of the report, Global Green Building Trends: Market Growth and Perspectives from Around the World, click here.