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MELISSA BLOCK, host:
From NPR News, this is ALL THINGS CONSIDERED. I'm Melissa Block.
ROBERT SIEGEL, host:
And I'm Robert Siegel.
While much of the real estate market struggles, one area of the construction industry has seen stunning growth. Green building now accounts for about a third of new construction in the U.S. That's up from just 2 percent in 2005. These are the latest figures from McGraw- Hill Construction, which tracks the building business, and they suggest a revolution inside the industry.
There are many factors and many players in this move toward green building. But one company and its rating system have played a key role, as NPR's Franklyn Cater reports.
Unidentified Man #1: Oh, there you go. (Unintelligible) motion detectors on the fence.
FRANKLYN CATER: The new Ross School of Business building at the University of Michigan is full of environment-friendly technology.
Professor ANDY HOFFMAN (Sustainable Enterprise, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan): One of humorous things about studying this kind of topic is you can talk about dual-flush toilets and waterless urinals in polite company.
CATER: Andy Hoffman is a professor of sustainable enterprise. He teaches a course in green construction. And along with facilities manager John Bresette, he's giving me a tour. Among the highlights, oddly enough, is this men's room equipped with dual-flush toilets.
Mr. JOHN BRESETTE (Facilities Manager, Ross School of Business): Saves a little water if you pull up, opposed to pushing down.
CATER: 0.8 in 1.6 gallons?
Mr. BRESETTE: Yup.
(Soundbite of toilet flush)
Mr. BRESETTE: So even with the full flush, you're just getting the 1.6.
Prof. HOFFMAN: It's pretty intuitive. I think this is the more...