More Support For Green Buildings
Image: www.oceania.rlb.com
This week The National Business Review, a New Zealand publication, ran an interesting piece regarding sustainable buildings and their impact on a company's bottom line. The article which focuses on Green Star rated buildings which are certified by the New Zealand Green Building Council raised several interesting points which green building advocates here in the United States and particularly those who have been following the underperformance of LEED certified buildings are well too aware:
Eighty percent of people believe sustainability is important but only 10% believe they fully understand what it means
Companies have a fear of short term underperformance, and how they will tell their investors in three, six or twelve months that they haven’t met the targets for those periods. But what about in three, six or 12 years – then how would they tell investors they lost larger amounts of money because of not making long term sustainable decisions?
Green buildings might cost more upfront but the evidence suggests that in the long term they will help companies save money and add to their bottom lines. In today's economy it is all too easy to look at short term capital expenditures and to lose view of the bigger picture and the potential for long-term ROI. What are you doing to help individuals understand what sustainability means and to show them the potential for long term ROI?
This global recession was supposed to teach us all a lesson...
Without placing blame on one side or another, the housing industry was undoubtedly flooded with shortsighted consumers, individuals, and institutions. The desire for short term gains coupled with disregard for longer term ramifications nearly collapsed our worldwide economy a year ago.
Green building is not only a key component to our economy going forward, but also a necessity for our planet's well being. In such a crucial time, it would be a shame if individual consumers and businesses fail to understand the inherent benefits in sustainable buildings.
Rich,
I am really fascinated by your recent posts regarding sustainable development views and practices in other countries. Great twist to bring to the table!!
Tray , the lesson is definitely kicking in I would say.