It's a new year which, for many, means it is time to make predictions or resolutions.  At Green Building Pro we are no different, and so our dedicated editorial staff has been busy compiling an encouraging list of predictions for the new year. We were interested in guessing where green construction practices, uses of green materials and simple ways to incorporate green living in our daily lives would expand in the new year and the decade to come.  Below we have put together our top 10 predictions which are by no means meant to be THE definitive list. In fact, we are very much looking forward to your comments, discussions and additions to the list. We have even launched a new sub group in our community to foster the collaboration at http://bit.ly/61Ozb1 Happy new year from Green Building Pro.

Sustainable Construction Waste
The US alone generated over 143 million tons of building related construction and demolition debris in 2009 and only 28% was recycled. Estimates suggest that green building will increase by 25% this year.  This is a great opportunity to implement some innovative, sustainable waste management practices.

Net Zero Buildings
A net zero building is a building that generates more energy than it uses over the course of a year, as a result of relatively small size, extreme efficiencies and onsite renewable energy sources. While the Architecture 2030 Challenge sets forth net zero as the goal for all new buildings by the year 2030, we are already within striking distance on energy efficiency know-how.

Increased Federal and State Funding for Green Job Training
The US Labor Department has all ready released $100 million into training programs for green jobs.  These funds are part of a $500 million green workforce development initiative through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This is just the beginning stages of job training programs for the unemployed and underemployed.

Waterless Washing Machines
A washing machine that cuts water usage by 90% is due to hit American shores this year.  Using only one cup of water, a drop of detergent and a few reusable nylon polymer beads, you are off to using only 2% of the energy of conventional washing machines, cutting CO2 emissions on top of the water savings. Green Building Pro wants to see more efficient and innovative designs in products that are designed for longevity!

Bio-based Aviation Fuel
A blend of biofuel with traditional aviation fuel has been successfully tested in one of the most common Boeing engine designs. Over 500 airlines use CFM56-7B engines, and together they have racked up a total flight time of 50 million hours. If this fuel blend is used in all those aircraft, we could see a possible reduction in CO2 emissions of 20%.

LED Lighting
We will see the prices come down on LED lighting that will make it easier for everyone to replace their CFL in 2010.  While 74 percent of consumers changed to a more efficient bulb last year, we want the other 26 percent to make it totally mainstream to save energy.

Modular Green Homes
2010 will bring an increase in the building of manufactured homes.  These prefab homes are billed as “affordable luxury in a green, energy-efficient package.” The cost savings in labor and materials might make it easier for consumers to secure financing especially coupled with “Green Mortgages.”

Wind Energy
Behind solar, wind isn’t the only form of renewable energy set to grow this year, but we predict that it makes the biggest impact in terms of expansion and adoption. Despite their adverse image described by some people, and their life-threatening position towards avian critters, wind turbines are very effective generators of renewable energy. They have the ability to work twenty-four hours a day and are scalable in terms of size and shape. With an increased focus on transmission lines and smart-grid technology wind can gain status to become one of the leading sources of new power generation.

Living Walls
Living walls and roofs are a hot item this year for homes and small urban spaces.  When installed in South facing directions, building temperatures can drop almost 25%, leading to substantial cooling savings.  With a variety of plants selected for each regional area, the panels will stay covered as the different varieties alternate their blooming with seasonal growth.   We will see increased design flexibility in choices for all wall and roof products as well as the ability to store rain-water within these green units for future watering needs, an excellent choice for new construction or retrofitting projects.

Corporate Sustainability Job’s
An increase in the hiring of sustainability directors, managers, coordinators, and related staff people in both the private and public sectors will grow dramatically in the next few years.  These new positions will be much more noticeable as large institutions seek to find ways to cut use of energy, water and other natural resources.