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Developers vow to stay green despite being in the red

The British Property Federation (BPF) has said that, despite the current economic situation, the commercial property industry would continue to meet strict green targets with sustainable, energy efficient buildings.

Speaking at the Ecobuild conference in London, BPF chief executive Liz Peace said that, while commercial property may be struggling with the downturn, the industry would not let current economic challenges hamper its commitments to meeting green targets.

Peace stated that the potential cost savings afforded by greater energy efficiency meant that the business case for more energy efficient buildings wrote so itself, and that the industry was readying itself for the next upturn and a raft of pending legislation.

Peace continued to highlight that, although construction may have been temporarily put on the back-burner, commercial landlords where continuing to provide energy efficient buildings through refurbishment and refitting in an effort to lower costs, attract customers and shareholders, and meet the requirements of government legislation.

Liz Peace, chief executive of the BPF, said: “The answer to reducing costs is to reduce consumption. Through minor refurbishments and changes in building management this can easily be achieved. Simply switching off the lights or fitting timers can have a considerable impact on a buildings cost, and companies should be looking to spend now to save in the long term.

“With the downturn we are now operating in a buyers market where competition is fierce and the customer wants the best. If a building does not meet the highest standards of energy efficiency landlords will find themselves without a tenant.”

Peace also highlight that the need to provide green buildings was strongly driven by shareholders who now want to invest in property that will stand the test of time.

“With the promise of further government legislation we need to ensure that UK commercial property is future proof to attract foreign investors. As we begin to progress towards an upturn we must be ready, we need to pay attention and act now to ensure we are prepared. ”

Ends.