Sustainability is a serious bargaining factor in today’s commercial real estate market. The eco-friendly approach to architectural design and planning is gaining popularity everyday. As a result, the demand for green buildings is rising sharply. Builders are now planning to build more and more eco-friendly commercial space to meet this rising demand while the old building owners are renovating and redesigning the older buildings with a sustainable approach in prime focus.
Growing Popularity of Sustainability in Commercial Real Estate
Sustainability in commercial real estate is gaining a large volume of traction due to several reasons. Firstly, green buildings leave less carbon footprints in the environment by minimizing water and energy consumption. These buildings are also economy friendly as they have lower operating costs. And in real estate, these savings sum up to a large amount over time. On top of that, businesses and corporations nowadays are far more conscious about their social responsibility. This is a major factor behind the rising demand for green buildings. And we can confidently say that this trend is only going upwards in the coming days.
Key Sustainability Trends in Commercial Real Estate Market
Still not aware of the latest trends in commercial real estate? Then read on and get yourself an update on the latest trends in the market. We’ll discuss some of the top sustainability trends in the market right now.
1. Green building Certification
Familiar with the term LEED (Leadership and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)? These two certifications have now become a benchmark for sustainability. These assessments focus on water conservation, energy efficiency and overall environmental performance. If your building doesn’t have these certifications, get them now and see your property’s marketability and reputation grow at a significant level.
2. Energy Efficiency
Modern HVAC systems, LED lighting and high performance building materials significantly improve your building’s energy efficiency. Smart thermostats and automated lighting systems are right now some of the most popular techs in commercial spaces. These features can adjust settings based on occupancy and daylight availability which optimizes and greatly reduce energy waste.
3. Renewable Energy Integration
Demand for renewable energy production sources such as solar panels and wind turbines have never been higher. These energy sources are increasingly becoming a staple in commercial buildings. The initial investment may seem a bit much in comparison to traditional energy sources. But the long term return on these eco friendly sources are much greater monetarily. There have even been cases where the buildings have become Net-Zero energy buildings. Which means that these buildings consume as much energy as they produce.
4. Water Conservation
Water saving methods are one of the most critical features of green buildings. Rainwater harvesting system, greywater recycling and low flow fixtures help reduce water wastage to a great extent. Along with conserving fresh water, these systems lower utility costs and other costs associated with water supply.
Case Studies of Successful Green Commercial Buildings
We have seen several buildings implement green building concepts with great success. These buildings are setting the benchmark in the industry for the rest to follow. Let’s look at some of these buildings.
The Edge, Amsterdam
This Dutch architectural marvel is often cited as the greenest building in the world. The Edge has received the BREEAM certificate with the highest score ever rewarded. It has many features to reduce the energy consumption while maintaining effectiveness. However, its most genius design factor is its focus on maximizing the availability of natural light. It has a state of the art rainwater reservation system that stores hundreds of gallons of water every year.
The Bullitt Centre, Seattle
A contender for the title of the greenest building in the world, Bullitt centre has achieved everything a Net Zero building can achieve. It generates all of its energy from the solar panels on its rooftop. The building also has a rainwater-to-potable system which refines and recycles the water on-site.
One Bryant Park, New York City
This building is the first high rise office building to achieve LEED platinum certification. The building has a state of the art cogeneration plant. It produces a significant amount of energy on-site. The use of floor to ceiling insulated glass maximizes the use of the natural daylight. Like other buildings above, Om Bryant Park also has its own rainwater reservation system.
Summary
Sustainability trends and green buildings are changing the commercial real estate landscape greatly. These are becoming the new standards everyone wants to achieve. The benefits are clear as day: low operating costs, higher property values and healthier environment for all. The green revolution is here to stay and it promises a brighter, smarter future for the commercial real estate market.
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