Nevertheless, reducing carbon emissions in buildings (commercial and residential alike) remains firmly on the government’s agenda and the Chinese government recognises that growth without environmental responsibility leads to trouble.
While much has been written about the environmental progress made in residential housing stock, and the incentives that are in place for owners who update older properties, commercial stock has been neglected from the debate. Yet, buildings account for approximately 44% of total carbon dioxide emissions (18% from the non-domestic sector and 26% from the domestic sector).What’s more, 50% of the water abstracted in the UK is used in buildings.
So what should be done? First off, it is obvious that commercial buildings constructed prior to 2004 will require more attention than more contemporary stock simply by dint of improved regulatory requirements. But achieving a greener working environment in older buildings need not mean investing a king’s ransom. RICS research highlighted that painting walls and ceilings a light colour could reduce energy use from lighting by 5-10% and more complex work, such as installing enhanced glazing, would have an even greater impact. Businesses know that environmentally responsible buildings can be a part of, or even central to, financially efficient and effective operations.
But to really make this happen, and help the ailing construction industry, the government could use tax incentives to encourage businesses to upgrade their buildings with development finance. A move like this would help an entire value chain – from commercial loan brokers, surveyors, builders and businesses – to lead the way and develop a knowledge and expertise that we could export to places that will really need it.
Robin Johnson is managing director of Kinleigh, Folkard and Hayward
