After local governments decided to pursue LEED certification for their own buildings, there was an uptick in the number of local architects, general contractors, and other construction industry professionals who sought LEED accreditation.

FORBES: How Governments Spur Private-Sector Demand for Green Buildings

Manufacturing and commercial construction projects have been some of the biggest drivers of nonresidential construction over the last year, according to the Associated General Contractors of America, a trade group.

FORBES: Private nonresidential building trends improve