Survey Finds Bipartisan Support for Non-Government Green Building Standards

At a time when most political debate results in divisive rancor, there appears to be at least one issue where Democrats and Republicans can find common ground: The green building movement.

A new poll released by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) found that 79 percent of Republicans and 89 percent of Democrats supported the concept of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ratings system that determines a building’s sustainability. Although less than one-third of Americans have recognized LEED by name, an overwhelming 83 percent gave their support to the ratings system once it was explained to them.

The USGBC survey found that support for having the federal government using green building standards was higher among Democrats (88 percent) than Republicans (64 percent support, with 28 percent opposing the creation of federal standards for green building ratings).

Furthermore, the survey found that 77 percent of Americans believed that LEED certified buildings, both commercial and residential properties, offered healthier environments for inhabitants. Seventy percent of Republicans and 83 percent of Democrats believed that LEED certified building enabled money savings via energy efficiency.

“Americans on both sides of the aisle strongly support the increased efficiency and cost savings that result from implementing LEED,” said Taryn Holowka, senior vice president, Marketing, Communications & Advocacy, USGBC. “This poll highlights the great public demand for the continued use of green building standards to cut costs, improve human health and reduce impacts on the environment.”

Echelon Insights conducted the nationwide poll on behalf of USGBC between Feb. 2-6, surveying 800 registered voters.