5 April 2006

Sustainability is good business

Sustainability is good business - Business - Business - theage.com.au: "SUSTAINABILITY is not just about being green, it will help the bottom line for owners and occupiers ready to embrace the technology.
That's one of the key results of the white paper Assessing the Value of Sustainability, presented at a sustainability forum in Melbourne by Jones Lang LaSalle national director of sustainability and engineering services, Chris Wallbank.
'Commercial outcomes are beginning to drive the 'greening' of Australian office property as building owners seek to drive higher levels of efficiency from their property portfolios,' he said.
'They are starting to come to the realisation that sustainability features can reduce outgoings and increase property values by boosting the bottom line.'
For newer buildings, it's all about innovation — setting benchmarks and strategic moves to improve corporate branding.
About $10 million has been spent on environmental features on the huge City of Melbourne council house, CH2, on Little Collins Street.
The $51 million building boasts world leader status, with six green stars awarded by the Green Building Council. It aims to cut electricity usage by 85 per cent, gas consumption by 87 per cent and water mains supply by 72 per cent.
Another example is nab's campus-style accommodation at Docklands.
With a 4.3 star Australian building greenhouse rating (ABGR), the 59,900-square-metre space has been built for maximum flexibility with smart, simple integration design.
The building comprises two large atriums, with open floor plates, glass greenhouse style environments and an abundance of natural lighting.
One issue expected to gain pace over the next few years is the switch between a sustainability premium to a non-su"

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