Green construction trend to expand

While much of the housing market languishes, the green building industry is set to flourish in 2011.

Industry consultant Jerry Yudelson says that more companies are using green building practices because it is an added sales point, in addition to the energy and long-term savings they create.

"What we're seeing is that more people are going green each year, and there is nothing on the horizon that will stop that trend," he said.

Yudelson says throughout this year, more focus will also be placed on "greening" existing buildings rather than creating new ones, with 70 countries showing considerable growth in the green building industries.

The increase in green designs for Houston homes is likely a response to consumer demand. A report last year from ZipRealty found that 55 percent of potential buyers said energy efficiency was at least "somewhat important" in their process.