homes accelerate in our countries. Our prediction is that 2015 will be the year green building comes of age in the emerging markets, as it now makes good business sense to go green by investing in and developing eco-friendly real estate.”
The report from McGraw Hill Construction shows that the main motivation is no longer idealistic values. There has now been a push for green building as this offers good business opportunities and investment. Green building practices have become widespread as this is now considered as a“ long term business opportunity around the world”, the report states. In 2015, the driving force behind the worldwide green building trend is a higher market and client demand, lower operating costs as well as branding and public relations.
Of course there are also important social and environmental reasons for building green, such as improved health and productivity benefits, water use reduction, lower greenhouse gas emission and natural resource conservation. Nevertheless, these also lead to certain financial benefits, including decreased operating costs, increased building values for green projects, and increased asset value for green buildings.
“ For these reasons, green architecture is not only about doing the right thing or being groundbreaking, but in fact developers and property players can also save money by introducing these principles,” Hermann added.“ Additional benefits include lower energy costs, water maintenance, and especially tax credits and other financial incentives.”
RESOURCES
Lamudi Property
32 Commercial Handbook 2016 www. reimag. co. za