INFORM Built Environment
PROPERTY BRIEFS
Analysis of green features in property
■ RENEWABLES
ScottishPower will use 100%
renewable energy after win-
at Sustainable Business – the Event
ning Scotland’s biggest ever
power contract.
The question of whether environ- Reliable research into just how
The deal, worth £600M
mental features add financial value much value these features might
over four years, was awarded
to buildings – and, if so, how add was still thin on the ground,
to the firm through the
much – came under the spotlight he said. He pointed out the four
Procurement Scotland
at Sustainable Business – the papers from the US that had
tendering process. Starting
Event last month. interpreted the same data set in
in October, it will cover
Miles Keeping of property radically different ways, with one
schools, universities, hospitals
consultants GVA Grimley told claiming green buildings were
and prisons together with
delegates that there is still a worth a third more while, at the
all large government and
substantial disconnect between other end of the scale, another
local-authority buildings.
people’s intentions and actions claiming there was no noticeable
in this area. difference in value.
■ TARGETS
“There’s a lot of work going on Keeping: Most companies would pay Despite the recognition that the
The global building sector
at the moment about whether
for eco-friendly buildings
evidence is still rather patchy,
must cut its energy use by
sustainability is a worthwhile Keeping said he was confident
60% over the next 40 years
thing to pursue, particularly given But when it came to signing the that with all the drivers pushing
if we are to meet climate
the perilous state of the property cheque, he said, the enthusiasm in one direction – from consumer
change targets, according to
market,” he said. tended to evaporate. expectations to government
a new report.
He said that market research He questioned the usual per- regulation – the demand for green
That goal is attainable, but
suggested that most companies ception that sustainable features buildings, and a willingness to
immediate action is required
looking to buy or rent commer- always had to mean a higher pay for them, could only increase.
to transform the sector. These
cial property said that sustainabil- price tag and said that the shrewd “I still say there’s a lot to play
are the central findings of a
ity was already a critical issue or companies acknowledged that, for,” he said. “The savvy investors
$15M (£9.4M) research project
would be in the next two years, even if there was not a premium tell us ‘we’re okay with the fact
undertaken by the World
and most said they would be pre- to be earned for green properties that there’s no evidence at the
Business Council for
pared to pay more for eco-friend- in today’s climate, there would be moment because we’re convinced
Sustainable Development.
ly buildings. in tomorrow’s. there will be soon’.”
CASE STUDY
This is the new headquarters of the European Investment Bank from the ‘very good’ rating the design of the building achieved
in Luxembourg, which has just received a BREEAM ‘excellent’ in 2005. Since no renewable energy is used in the building, the
rating – the first mainland European building to be assessed and key to its performance is in its unique and innovative design, and
certified under the Post Construction Review process. especially its 13,000m
2
double-skin glass envelope. This striking
The assessment was carried out by AECOM using the structure covers the entire building, providing a high degree of
BREEAM Bespoke scheme, and shows a marked improvement transparency, which ensures maximum indoor daylight.
HAS EVER SEEN’ TOM BURKE, ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ADVISOR, RIO TINTO SPEAKING AT MAY’S GREEN MONDAY EVENT (SEE PAGE 31)
Sustainable Business ❘ June 2009 7
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