Will environmentally friendy features add value to your commercial property?
The question of whether 'environmental' features add financial value to buildings, and if so, how much, came under the spotlight at Sustainable Business - the Event this week.
Miles Keeping of property consultants GVA Grimley told delegates that there is still a substantial disconnect between people's intentions and actions in this area.
"There's a lot of work going on at the moment about whether sustainability is a worthwhile thing to pursue, particularly given the perilous state of the property market," he said.
He said that market research suggested that most companies looking to buy or rent commercial property said that sustainability was already a critical issue or would be in the next two years, and most said they would be prepared to pay more for eco-friendly buildings.
But when it came to signing the cheque, he said, the enthusiasm tended to evaporate.
"When it comes to for it or signing the lease there seems to be a difference of opinion," he said.
He questioned the usual perception that sustainable features always had to mean a higher price tag and said that the shrewd companies acknowledged that even if there was not a premium to be earned for green properties in today's climate, there would be in tomorrow's.
Reliable research into just how much value these features might add was still thin on the ground, he said, pointing the four papers from the US that had interpreted the same data set in radically different ways, with one claiming green buildings were worth a third more while, at the other end of the scale, another claiming there was no noticeable difference in value.
Despite the recognition that the evidence is still rather patchy, Mr Keeping said he was confident that with all the drivers pushing in one direction - from consumer expectations to government regulation - the demand for green buildings, and a willingness to pay for them, could only increase.
"I still say there's a lot to play for," said Mr Keeping.
"The savvy investors tell us 'we're okay with the fact that there no evidence at the moment because we're convinced there will be soon."
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British are "bored" with Climate Change
A new energy report suggests that British people are less environmentally conscious than they were five years ago.
4 out of 10 britons take no action at all to reduce their household carbon emissions, and twice as many people are now "bored" by talk of climate change as in 2005. Experts warn that green fatigue is one of the major reasons as to why there are more cars on the roads, more planes in the sky and no reductions in the mountain of packaging waste. The report reveals that too few people are making an effort to reduce their household CO2 emissions and environmentalists believe the recession is further undermining public commitment.
The report, by market researchers Mintel, shows that many of Britain's 26 million homes fail to make simple adjustments such as switching off lights, turning down thermostats, and switching off appliances rather than leaving them on standby. The findings also reveal that people are less willing to spend money on energy-efficient appliances than they were five years ago. Analysts believe the recession together with a backlash against "extreme" environmentalist pressure has reduced people's enthusiasm to combat climate change.
The report also found that resistance to saving the planet was greater among men; one in four said they think there is too much concern over the environment, compared with one in six women.
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More information on the 2016 definition of "Zero Carbon".
Housing Minister, Grant Shapps announced additional information about the new definition of "Zero Carbon".
The Government plans to investigate setting up a community energy fund which will be used to pay for district heating and renewable energy schemes.
Developers who pay into the fund will not have to install onsite renewables or microgeneration equipment. Many developers have welcomed the flexibility of paying into a fund rather than grappling with renewables on each site.
However, the full definition of 'zero-carbon' has once again been delayed. This is despite a pre-election promise to get the definition of zero carbon finalised “within weeks” of getting into office.
The new Government Housing Minister has recently announced that the coalition will review the level of on-site renewables required - before publishing the final definition of the standard, which all new homes will have to reach after 2016.
In the announcement, the Minister also re-affirmed his commitment to all new homes being zero-carbon from 2016 and confirmed the introduction of the ‘Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard' which requires a minimum standard in relation to insulation levels and air tightness and thermal bridging in buildings.
Zero carbon is required of all Code for Sustainable Homes level six homes. Clarification of what zero carbon will mean is still to be decided.
If you require assistance with your Code for Sustainable Homes level requirements, contact Ecowise - we are a fully accredited Code for Sustainable Homes assessment organisation.
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Pilot Tidal Energy Scheme for North Wales Coast
Conwy County Borough Council has backed plans for a pilot tidal energy scheme off the North Wales Coast.
The £150 million scheme at Llanddulas in North Wales would provide a testing facility for turbine designers and manufacturers, and assess the environmental impact of turbines.
The project was given approval by the council as part of a strategic regeneration strategy for the Conwy coast, prepared by consultant Capita Symonds.
Paul Terry, Capita Symonds, said: "Tidal power will play a key role in providing a sustainable energy source for future generations. The North Wales coast is an ideal place for such a scheme as it’s blessed with a good tidal range and suitable ocean depth." He added that the project could also help protect the coast from rising sea levels, storm surges and coastal erosion.
The regeneration strategy also calls for seven new visitor centres costing £30m should be built at key locations stretching from Conwy to Rhuddlan. But North Wales Tourism chairman Chris Jackson raised doubts over whether the proposals could realistically be funded in the current economic climate. The council’s approval now means that Capita Symonds will seek funding for feasibility studies and investigations to develop a business case for the scheme.
