The business case for green buildings

It is simpler to incorporate sustainability into a building’s design, construction and operations before its development, rather than retrofitting existing features. FILE PHOTO

The adoption of energy and water reducing initiatives translates into cost savings.

GREEN buildings. Efficient in the use of energy, water and materials – all while providing quality air supply. Sounds very Al Gore, right? Green buildings, are, in fact, becoming more and more commonplace in commercial real estate dialogues across the Asia-Pacific.

Beyond environmental factors generating demand for green buildings, we are now seeing various technological, regulatory and financial forces at play, all working in concert to build a strong business case for integrating green features into a building’s development.

In this region, multiplying volumes of wastage and carbon emissions have caused rising temperatures, worsening air quality and the depletion of natural resources. While these signs from mother nature have ignited the conversation about a need for sustainable properties which alleviate environmental damage, it is the simultaneous technological developments which have enabled a course of action. From on-site renewable energy generation and water recycling to enhanced building automation systems, office occupiers are now equipped with the tools to not only monitor but also to actively reduce consumption.

Aside from improving occupants’ health and comfort, the adoption of […]

Full article: The business case for green buildings