ABLE - Alabama Better Living Expo coming to Montgomery | Business

A recent study released by McGraw-Hill Construction reveals that the market for green home construction is expected to increase five-fold by 2016. According to the study, green homes comprised 17% of the overall residential construction market in 2011 and are expected to grow to between 29% and 38% of the market by 2016. By value, this equates to a five-fold increase, growing from $17 billion in 2011 to $87-$114 billion in 2016, based on the five-year forecast for overall residential construction. 

The study also reported that construction industry professionals saw an even steeper increase in green home remodeling. Approximately 34% of remodelers expect to be doing mostly green work by 2016, a 150% increase over activity in 2011.

To help meet this growing consumer and business demand for green building, all members of the residential and commercial building industries are invited to attend Alabama’s Better Living Expo (ABLE), taking place February 27-29, 2012 at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center in Montgomery. 

ABLE is the state’s premier conference on green building, sustainability and energy efficiency. It will offer more than 100 hours of seminars and continuing education featuring some of the leading experts on topics ranging from building homes for energy efficiency to marketing to multiple generations to a first look at Alabama’s new energy code. 

In addition to education, attendees will have access to 60,000 square feet of exhibit space featuring the latest innovations in sustainable and energy efficient products and services. 

The cost of registration is $79 for admission to all three days of seminars offered at the conference, as well as admission to the exhibit hall. Certification courses for lead paint renovator, Qualified Credentialed Inspector, Certified Green Building Professional, and Green Key will also be offered to attendees at an additional cost.

ABLE is being presented by a host of industry partners, including the Alabama Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, Alabama Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, American Council of Engineering Companies of Alabama, Alabama Associated General Contractors, the Alabama Association of Habitat for Humanity Affiliates, the Alabama Clean Water Partnership, the U.S. Green Building Council, and the Home Builders Association of Alabama.  Regulatory partners include the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors, Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors, Alabama Electrical Contractors Board, Alabama Department of Environmental Management, and the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board. 

For more information or to register, visit www.ABLE-Expo-Alabama.com or contact the Home Builders Association of Alabama at 1-800-745-4222.