Bright future for green building 
Bright future for green building
Adoption of green real estate
practices in commercial and residential buildings offers very
cost-effective Green House Gas (GHG) emission cuts compared to other
economic sectors. This is one of the key findings in a Green Real
Estate Guide compiled by global real estate services company, Colliers
International.
Mr Simon Carter, author of the Guide and Colliers
International Regional Head of Sustainablity for Asia - Pacific,
visited Bangkok recently to discuss international best practice and
current trends in green design with local architects, designers and
developers.
“Everyday we are witnessing the impact of global
warming in weather patterns around the world,” said Mr Carter. “With
residential and commercial buildings representing up to 15.4% of
greenhouse gas emissions, we expect governments and economies will soon
turn to buildings to achieve deep emission cuts quickly.
“While
the shift to green buildings has just begun, real estate markets around
Asia and the world are likely to transform quickly, adopting green
standards both in developing new buildings and improving existing ones.
“The
technologies of green buildings and their ability to operate
efficiently have now been demonstrated in various locations around the
world. What happened in Australia demonstrates that those who commit to
green real estate quickly can drive down the costs of doing so and
increase their returns.”
Colliers International Thailand
Managing Director, Patima Jeerapaet said the Thai Government had
ratified the Kyoto Protocol on Greenhouse gas emissions, but had not
adopted specific targets for emission reductions.
“At the moment
there is a policy environment of quiet encouragement, but there may be
a need for the more tangible incentives and clearer regulations similar
to those adopted in other countries, if Thailand is to keep pace with
other markets.”
Mr Patima said initiatives by companies such as
Tesco Lotus, which has built two ‘green stores’ in Thailand and has an
extensive energy conservation programme in its facilities management,
have demonstrated the business payback that is possible from following
green practices.
“The winners in the emerging ‘carbon economy’
will typically be those who prepare early. We believe forward-thinking
developers and landlords are now preparing themselves to lead, rather
than follow, the change that is coming”.
Source: http://www.property-report.com/aprarchives.php?id=1999&date=271008
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