Finished Product - Economic
Management of the finished product can have a significant economic impact - a poorly maintained building will, in the long run, cost a great deal more than one that is well-maintained. Similarly, careful management of energy and water can substantially reduce operational costs. Taking energy use alone, the typical office in the UK consumes around 200kWh/m2 over a typical year, while best practice aims to achieve consumption of 100kWh/m2. Good environmental design can in fact lead to much lower figures.
This type of economic impact is well-documented and easily demonstrated; what is generally less tangible is the impact of buildings on staff costs. Absence from work can be reduced and productivity increased by improving the environment in which people work. Research in the USA has shown that 'green design' of office buildings leads to a measurable reduction in absenteeism. A reduction of just 1% in absenteeism is enough to pay for the energy costs of a typical office building.
Staff motivation and well-being can also be affected by introducing feedback systems, people generally feel more valued when their opinions are asked about the buildings in which they live or work. For example, in one survey where staff were asked to list the features they would most wish for in a new office building, 80% specified the ability to open windows.
Consider maintenance, operational (energy, water etc.) and staff costs. Use feedback measure and tools (e.g. post occupancy evaluation).
Well-designed 'green' buildings can demonstrate clear financial benefits associated with a more sustainable approach. Many show lower operational costs with no increased construction costs, but the majority can at least demonstrate that extra construction costs are recovered during the first five to eight years through reduced running costs.
The Dunston Innovation Centre (demonstration number 312) in Derbyshire has a gross floor area of 3300m2 and offers a range of accommodation from a 'rent a desk' facility to suites of offices of 185m2.
Tenants are restricted to ICT-based companies. The building is energy-efficient and provides high comfort levels, with heating and cooling by way of heat pumps allied to the largest geothermal system in the UK.
Demonstrated benefits include a saving of some 80% in CO2 emissions, alongside reduced capital costs when compared to the provision of conventional heating/air conditioning. Feedback from tenants regarding the effectiveness of the building's heating and cooling system has been very positive, in all seasons and weathers.