WorldGBC report predicts boost for UK green building projects
The study, conducted by Dodge Data & Analytics and United Technologies Corporation, finds that 31 per cent of developers are expected to make more than 60 per cent of their projects green-focused, an increase from 17 per cent last year, with retrofits of existing buildings and new low-rise residential developments cited as the two main sectors earmarked for development, totalling 44 and 40 per cent respectively.
British respondents anticipating 16 per cent or less of their projects to prioritise green certification are predicted to decrease from 39 to 16 per cent, while green developments are set to represent a quarter of the UK’s Building Project Activity in two years time, claims the analysis.
The findings are part of the ‘World Green Building Trends 2016’ report, which surveys more than 1,000 participants across 69 nations, with the study revealing that firms from all countries expecting to have more than 60 per cent of their building projects certified green is on course to more than double to 37 per cent by 2018.
The report also shows that worldwide green building continues to double every three years, while Brazil expects the percentage of companies that expect green certification for the majority of their projects to grow six-fold, with China and Saudi Arabia expecting five-fold and four-fold growth respectively.
The most popular benefit of green certification globally is the reduction in operating costs, according to the report, with reducing energy consumption listed as the main environmental reason for building green, while energy efficiency is recognised by 70 per cent of the surveys respondents as a major criteria used to evaluate whether a product is “green.”
Terri Wills, CEO of WorldGBC, believes the report offers further evidence on the strong business case for green building, stating that its growth “is now truly a global phenomenon.”
“Green building is playing a critical role in the development of many emerging economies, particularly as their populations grow and create a pressing need for a built environment that is both sustainable and ensures a high quality of life,” she said.
“What is needed for that future is the same as what is needed today—leadership from companies, countries, cities to adopt ambitious goals and plans. The market signals sent by a number of companies will unleash a green building innovation the likes of which have never been seen before.”
The study has been produced with support from the US Green Building Council, along with United Technologies and Saint-Gobain, which are both on the WorldGBC’s Corporate Advisory Board.
John Mandyck, Chief Sustainability Officer at United Technologies Corporation, emphasises the growth in green projects shown by the analysis.
“The survey shows that global green building activity continues to double every three years. More people recognise the economic and productivity value that green buildings bring to property owners and tenants, along with the energy and water benefits to the environment, which is driving the green building industry’s growth. It’s a win-win for people, planet and the economy,” he said.
Pascal Eveillard, Director for Sustainable Habitat at Saint-Gobain, added: “At Saint-Gobain, we try harder every day to improve people’s lives while meeting global challenges of growth, energy efficiency and environmental protection.
“We have long been convinced that sustainability is a major trend in the construction market. The World Green Building Trends 2016 report is comforting us, as it shows that it is a market expected to double by 2018.”
