Environmental concerns prove to be an important component for new build or remodel projects for both consumers and businesses according to a recent customer survey conducted by Krantz Select Woods, an online wood purveyor headquartered in Austin Texas. Krantz announced the findings of its Green Survey, conducted in November, 2011. The informal survey included both consumers and professionals, and sought to gauge consumer and commercial use of and attitudes about green building materials.

The survey findings indicate that regardless of the current tough economic conditions, both consumers and professionals continue to seek environmentally responsible materials for their building and design choices. Seventy-two percent of consumer survey respondents said that green building materials are more important than five years ago, while 57 precent of building professionals responded that green building materials are more important than five years ago.

Survey results also show that while the recession has not lowered the importance of green builds and remodels, it has slowed. About one third of consumer respondents and half of professional respondents have put at least one green building project on hold due to the economy.

“Our findings confirm what we’ve been seeing in our day to day business and dealings with customers,” said Jimmy Krantz, owner of Krantz Select Woods. “Regardless of economic conditions, green building materials are in high demand not only due to their environmental benefits but also because of their beauty and exceptional quality.” 

The Krantz survey indeed revealed that environmental impact is not the only important factor when choosing a green product. While 39 percent of total respondents listed environmental factors as key in selecting green building materials, 31precent of total respondents listed aesthetics as key in selecting green building materials and 30 precent listed cost savings (rebates) as key in selecting green building materials.

Green and sustainable building professionals, such as Krantz Select Woods are optimistic about the continued trend towards sustainable building practices. Survey responses illustrate that confidence, with interest in sustainable building materials and practices is expected to grow in the near future. Approximately 60 precent of consumer respondents and 57percent of professional respondents anticipate an increase in the importance of green building/sustainable materials in the next five years for their building/construction needs.

Survey Detail:

1. Consumers and businesses consider green building materials as an important component of their new build or remodel projects:

· 69 percent of consumers said that using green building products is somewhat important to them, but not a top/determining factor; 18 percent responded it is an extremely important decision factor.

· Professionals responses echoed those of consumers, with 68 percent of building professionals saying that using green building products is somewhat important to them, but not a top/determining factor; 18 percent responded that it is an extremely important decision factor.

2. The importance of using building materials among consumers and professionals continues to grow.

· According to 72 percent of consumer respondents, green building materials are more important than five years ago; 28 percent of consumer respondents said that green building materials were of the same importance as five years ago.

· 57 percent of building professionals responded that green building materials are more important than five years ago; 29 percent of professional respondents said that green building materials were of the same importance to them as five years ago and 14 percent said green building materials were of less importance than five years ago.

3. Green building products and materials are expected to to grow in importance for both building professionals and consumers.

· Approximately 60 percent of consumer respondents anticipate an increase in the importance of green building/sustainable materials in the next five years.

· 57 percent of building professionals anticipate an increase in the importance of green building/sustainable materials in the next five years.

4. While the current recession has not lowered the importance of green building products/materials, it has somewhat slowed the pace of new green building projects or initiatives, particularly commercial projects.

· Approximately 32 percent of consumer respondents have put at least one green project/initiative on hold due to current economic conditions

· Half of building professionals surveyed have put at least one green project/initiative on hold due to current economic conditions

5. Environmental impact is only one of several factors influencing the selection of prioritization of green/sustainable building materials:

· 39 percent of total respondents listed environmental factors as key in selecting green building materials

· 31 percent of total respondents listed aesthetics/design as key in selecting green building materials

· 30 percent of total respondents listed rebates/cost savings as key in selecting green building materials

Survey Methodology: Krantz Select Woods informally surveyed approximately 3,300 consumers and building professionals via email during the month of November, 2011. Participants were randomly selected from the Krantz customer and contact database. Approximately 60 percent of respondents self-identified as consumers, while 29 percent self-identified as business professionals or architects.

For more information, visit www.krantzrecoveredwoods.com.