You are now visiting the Philips lighting website. A localized version is available for you.
Suggestions

    The meaning

    of greening

    Understanding the trends in
    sustainable building


    For the past six years, World Green Building Week has focused a spotlight on the need to create sustainable built environments. FutureOffice spoke to leading proponents for green building and asked their thoughts asked their thoughts on the continuing importance of greening the office real estate landscape?

    A green
    tipping point


    Future trends in building sustainability are generating more interest than ever. After all, there are urgent issues to tackle. According to the World Green Building Council, buildings consume a third of the world’s energy and are responsible for 20% of global emissions. There’s a danger that this figure could double or even triple by 2050. So developments that slash energy use and save both water and waste will be absolutely essential if we’re to see positive environmental change. 
    1/3 of the worlds energy consumed by buildings.

    1/3 of the worlds energy consumed by buildings.
    Source: World Green Building Council

    Sustainability isn’t the big elephant in the room anymore."


    - Egbert Nijmeijer, Senior Portfolio Manager, Kempen Capital Management

    Commercial value of green

    The conversation is also now geared around how green buildings deliver on economic priorities such as return on investment and risk mitigation. More businesses than ever are prioritizing sustainability and those on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index are outperforming other leading companies.

    The value of building green

    Philips Office construction


    Investments

    at the time of construction may save current resources expended on energy, water and waste disposal
    Philips Office Social


    Leasing space

    in a green building may send a concrete signal of social awareness, and of the superior social responsibility of tenants
    Philips Office Green Buildings


    An improved indoor environmental

    quality in green buildings might result in higher employee productivity
    Sustainable buildings might have longer economic lives leading to reduced risk premiums and higher valuations of the properties


    Sustainable buildings

    might have longer economic lives leading to reduced risk premiums and higher valuations of the properties

    Targets and growth

    There’s an increasing level of risk associated with non-sustainable developments and tenants are actually looking for a greater level of flexibility in the buildings they occupy. And then there are the issues of energy savings and public relations.

    The growth of Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) in recent years is testament to just how seriously businesses are taking the subject. When the standard was first established in 2009, some 200 companies and funds provided data. By last year, this figure had increased by a factor of three and reports were filed on $2.5 trillion worth of real estate.

    Environmental certification for buildings is now part and parcel of corporate responsibility. It’s hard to let a building without a BREEAM rating, LEED or local building certification. There are also an increasing number of targets to measure efficiency and sustainability, effecting and influencing the decisions of developers, owners and building users.

    We looked at office space in 2005 and 0.1% was certified as green. In 2013 5.1% was certified. In a sector that is slow to change, this is fast."


    - Nils Kok, Founder and CEO GRESB

    Why building green is a
    smart move for developers


    • Higher sales price
    • Lower construction costs
    • Rapid return on investment
    • Increase market value
    • Quicker sales      

    Our approach is not only good for the planet and people, it’s good for profits."


    - Owen Zacharaisse, Delta Development Group

    Key benefits of owning a
    green building


    • Corporate image and value
    • Lower operating costs
    • Lower exit yield
    • Increased occupancy rates
    • Increased asset value
    Key benefits of owning a green building

    If you are an owner it’s easier to get tenants if you have a healthy work environment."


    - Egbert Nijmeijer, Senior Portfolio Manager, Kempen Capital Management

    Key benefits of leasing a green building


    • Increased productivity
    • Health and wellbeing
    • Reduced downtime
    • Lower operating costs
    • Green is good for business
    Key benefits of leasing a green building

    When you have better control over light, air and temperature, you have a healthy building and a more productive workforce. Green buildings feel good."


    - Nils Kok, Founder and CEO GRESB

    Related articles

    • Rounded thinking in the circular economy

      Inspired by Ellen McArthur's work on sustainability find out how Philips lighting is embracing the circular economy approach to its business.

      Find out more

    • Probably the most sustainable building in the world

      The Edge, an innovative, 40,000 m2, multi-tenant office building with a host of sustainability features and cutting-edge facilities management technology.

      Find out more

    • The greenest developer

      Find out more

    Exploring the key trends and latest thinking changing today's workplace

    FutureOffice

    Health and wellbeing

    Look at how workplace comfort can keep people healthy, happy, motivated and productive
    Read more
    Health and wellbeing infographic
    Philips Office Activity based workspaces infographic

    Engagement and experience

    See how the digital revolution has changed the way we work.

    Read more

    Connectivity

    Discover how the seamless technology of a "smart building" can optimize your office.

    Read more
    Connectivity infographic