What is Sustainable Development?

Constructors of commercial real estate are increasingly looking to green alternatives in order to save money, it has been asserted.

And the British Council for Offices suggests that the constructors are not the only ones likely to benefit from such a trend.

Businesses which lease office space in the resultant buildings can also expect to see savings as a result of increased energy efficiency, the organisation claims.

Environmental sustainability spokesperson Michael Beaven argues that the trend comes as building firms look to maximise their return on investment.

This means that supplies, fixtures and fittings are more likely than ever to be assessed based on their energy usage or ability to keep utility bills down.

But this saving on bills is ultimately passed on to the organisations which inhabit the completed office space.

As such, offices which are built to sustainable principles are becoming cheaper to run for occupants or building management firms, Mr Beaven observes.

Further benefits include an overall increase in the health level of the structure, while the spokesperson adds that "sustainable buildings are better".

Based on his own assessment of the evidence on recent trends within the commercial construction industry, Mr Beaven contends that the move towards sustainability witnessed towards the end of 2008 is likely to continue during the coming 12 months.