There is growing demand for people who are experts in green HVAC, zero energy building and other aspects of sustainable construction, according to a new study commissioned by the USGBC.

The U.S. Green Building Council says demand for workers certified as LEED accredited professionals and LEED green associates grew 46 percent in the past year.

“This figure tells a powerful story about the value that building-industry employers assign to knowledgeable, LEED-credentialed professionals,” said Rick Fedrizzi, the president, CEO and founding chairman of the USGBC. “LEED is a transformative force within the building sector, and every day, our network of more than 197,000 LEED APs and green associates are helping to advance the industry and push building projects to new heights of performance and resource efficiency.”

The USGBC administers the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design building rating and certification program.

The study, conducted by on behalf of the council by research company Pearson using data provided by job search firm Burning Glass, found 9,033 U.S. job postings from March 2013 to February 2014 required LEED credentials. Fields included mechanical contracting, electrical and civil engineering, construction management, architecture and software development.