Abstract

This study evaluates the social, economic, and environmental aspects of green construction to identify the primary factors driving the ‘greening’ of University facilities in the United States. To accomplish the objective of this research effort, key personnel in facility planning and operation from top universities in the United States were surveyed to obtain input concerning their institution’s approach and philosophy regarding ‘green’ construction. The study investigates the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence development decisions. It explores the basis for the green building philosophy and approach for facility development on the campuses of U.S. universities. The results from this study will yield insight regarding the primary factors influencing university decisions to design and build ‘green’. The findings from this study will provide universities with valuable insight to aid them to more effectively leverage, and respond to, the forces that influence decisions to pursue sustainable development on their campuses.