33
BUILD GREEN FROM THE
GROUND UP
The past few years have seen radical improvements in UK house-building techniques and
technologies, although it could be asked why it took such a long time. Attractive as huge sash
windows may be, are they really the best choice in a country with such a cold climate?
If you are planning a new building, whether for your own premises or investing in development, it makes sense
to get it right the first time rather than cutting costs and then being forced to retrofit. A green building might cost
a few more percent to build, but could save 30-40 percent on utility costs in the long term.
Green building features and practices also improve the market value of a property. Green buildings can
command higher rents or prices, and cost less to operate and maintain. Using renewable energy sources (see
elsewhere in this guide) attracts grants, subsidies and other inducements.
Another longer-term way to cut your carbon footprint and your costs at the same time is what is known as “the
intelligent build”.
Intelligent buildings can co-ordinate subsystems to regulate the interior environment, interacting on a machine-
to-machine basis without the need for human intervention, resulting in a centralized system that is vastly more
efficient, resulting in reduced energy and maintenance costs.
MORE INFORMATION:
– The Resources sections of the websites for the UK Green Building Council and the World Green Building
Council contain useful information.
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