Building management services specialist highlights green building research
A recent study has challenged the belief that sustainable buildings are more expensive to construct, finding that buildings constructed to BREEAM standards can incur little or no additional costs.
The research, conducted by two major construction industry experts, applied cost data from real construction projects to three case study buildings – an office, secondary school and community healthcare centre. This produced detailed capital and operational cost information.
While noting that some sustainable measures can add to upfront costs (typically less than 2%), it was found that these can be repaid quickly through utility savings. At Concept Energy Solutions, an energy management specialist, we urge companies to recognise the financial benefits of taking a more long-term view on energy.
Concept Energy is accredited to produce building energy certificates and Peter Stockwell, one of our directors, says: “Sustainable buildings are efficient buildings and efficient buildings save you money! In producing EPCs and DECs for a range of buildings, we see the benefits that a higher rating brings – lower energy consumption and lower on-going costs.”
He adds: “Investing in environmental measures during construction is a clever long-term decision that will benefit occupants for years. And don’t worry – existing buildings can also be brought up to scratch, using energy surveys or energy feasibility studies to identify opportunities for energy-efficient upgrades!”
