Building Materials & Adaptability
Building Materials and Adaptability
The energy used and chemicals emitted by the processes during the mining, manufacture and transportation of building materials can have a significant environmental impact. The design brief of new buildings should seek to minimise these impacts through careful consideration of the materials used whilst maximising durability and adaptivity.
From the developer's perspective a 'green' material specification and a flexible building design can create a market advantage by:
Meeting the demands of the green market
There is a small but rapidly growing sector of the market that is occupied by the 'green' consumer. This sector of the market is prepared to pay a premium for buildings that have been designed to 'green' specifications.
- The 'green' domestic consumer is aware of the benefits of green design in terms of financial benefits but also in terms of lower impact on the environment.
- The 'green' business consumer is becoming aware of the marketing advantages of their own business in having a green image and see their premises as an indication of this to the outside world.
Research carried out by CABE, the WWF and the Halifax (July 2004) found that 84% of those surveyed would be willing to pay an average of 2% extra on the purchase price their home if they are environmentally sound. The same research found that 87% of buyers want to know if their homes are environmentally friendly.
Increasing the range of potential occupiers through flexible design
Buildings with a flexible layout will attract a greater range of potential purchasers or tenants thereby ensuring the best sale or rental value and maximising the chances of prompt occupation. A flexible environment will also increase the selling-on or re-letting value of a building for similar reasons.
Providing a healthy internal building environment
This makes the development more attractive and therefore a higher market premium can be achieved.
Buildings that have a healthy living or working environment will be more attractive to potential occupiers. Such buildings can therefore fetch a higher premium and are likely to sold or let more quickly.