Sustainable building makes ‘clear business sense’

Launched today by the World Green Building Council at the Ecobuild Conference, the report specifically focuses on the potential benefits of green buildings throughout the various stages of the building lifecycle, from reduced costs during the design and construction phases through to improved health of workers when a building is in use.

World Green Building Council CEO Jane Henley said: “This report synthesises credible evidence from around the world on green buildings into one collective resource, and the evidence presented highlights that sustainable buildings provide tangible benefits and make clear business sense.”

Entitled The Business Case for Green Building: A Review of the Costs and Benefits for Developers, Investors and Occupants, the report suggests that green buildings are increasingly seen as valuable assets, cost less to develop and once finished, have dramatically reduced operating costs.

In addition, it finds that the characteristics of green buildings can influence the productivity and health of workers who occupy them, resulting in bottom line benefits for businesses.

Henley added: “From risk mitigation across a building portfolio and city-wide economic benefits, to the improved health and well-being of individual building occupants, the business case for green building will continue to evolve as markets mature. Indeed we have already seen this momentum grow globally where in more and more places, green is now becoming the status quo.”

The findings echo the release of McGraw-Hill Construction’s latest survey this week, which found that business strategy around the world is shifting its focus to sustainable building as firms seek to profit from innovation in the built environment.

Conor McGlone