go to the homepage skip to main navigation skip to content area
Berwin Leighton Paisner logo

Select international office

Please select...
Lawyer Directory

News & Updates

Report: The sustainability equation: finding the gold in green buildings

Sustainability has been an issue on the lips of the real estate industry for several years. Initially considered part of the ‘green’ or environmental agenda, it has steadily become a driver for more frequent and mainstream discussions, especially with the introduction of carbon reduction targets and financial incentives/penalties based on performance. But a frequent criticism has been that the industry lacks the financial motivation to back up its good intentions. Where things have been done, have they been more about good management than a true commitment to sustainability?

Our report - The sustainability equation: finding the gold in green buildings - is based on extensive consultation with leading organisations with a substantial real estate footprint in the UK including the Royal Mail, John Lewis Partnership, Berkeley Homes Ltd, Hammerson plc, Santander and Lloyds Banking Group among others.

Backed by the UK Green Building Council, the report says that while regulation so far has concentrated on penalties, new legislation should blend a ‘carrot and stick’ approach to encourage and compel property owners and managers to make the UK’s existing property stock keep up the drive to meet CO2 targets.

  • The 2008 Climate Change Act set a target of cutting the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 compared to 1990
  • 45 per cent of the UK’s carbon is emitted from the built environment - however 95% of UK buildings are over five years old with very few being energy efficient
  • And about 50% of all existing UK buildings will still be standing in 2050, when the targets need to be met

With cost savings and brand risk management a prime concern of tenants and occupiers, they will increasingly be looking for sustainable buildings. However, the message that sustainability can bring strong economic and commercial benefits has yet to be widely recognised.

The Sustainability EquationDownload a copy of:
The sustainability equation: finding the gold in green buildings >


 

Get in touch

Aidan Thomson

Aidan Thomson

BLP
Partner, Planning & Environment

If you would like to discuss any aspect of the report, please email me using the link below.