87% of Businesses Would Pay Higher Rent for Green Building Space
 Jan. 23, 2009 - Nearly nine in ten commercial tenants say they would pay more rent to secure a sustainable building - a sign that, in these uncertain financial times, companies are taking a more holistic, long-term approach to cost, a new survey suggests.
The survey, conducted by U.K. law firm Taylor Wessing, polled 800 architects, developers, commercial agents, and occupiers, revealing a major disconnect within the market: Nearly 20% of building industry professionals believe the typical corporate occupier wouldn't pay any extra cost for a sustainable building, but 60% of end users say corporate occupiers would be willing to pay 5% or more additional rent for green building space. 
"This report reveals that far from putting the brakes on sustainable building, industry leaders could actually be using the economic downturn as an opportunity to boost their green credentials in preparation for proposed legislative developments in the area," says Helen Garthwaite, head of construction and engineering at Taylor Wessing. "More immediately, the realization is also dawning that decisive action on sustainability may actually stimulate economic activity and job creation, while cost savings can be achieved through less energy consumption and greater waste reduction." To download the complete report, click here (PDF). Tags: Business Case, LEED/Green Building |
