Sustainability – a revolution in the real estate sector

The office properties of the future will benefit users and the environment alike

Climate change, rapidly escalating operating costs and increased public awareness: a paradigm shift is currently taking place in the real estate sector worldwide. Despite involving additional building costs, green construction is becoming the order of the day. When designing office buildings, demonstrating commitment to greater social responsibility in this way can kick-start exciting developments.

Sustainability – an international phenomenon
In recent years, sustainability has become an important aspiration worldwide. In the construction and real estate segment, this issue is being driven forward by the World Green Building Council (WGBC), which was established with the aim of promoting green building technologies and planning practices across the globe. Certificates for sustainable building in member countries – primarily LEED and BREEAM – are attracting ever more attention from project developers and investors and coming to be regarded as a quality mark for future-ready, marketable properties.

Buildings to suit new work environments
An interesting trend is emerging: the quality of office buildings is increasingly being measured in terms of benchmarks previously applied primarily to residential properties. Living and work environments have undergone rapid change in the 21st century. This new reality is now playing a larger role in planning processes than ever before.

When it comes to office space, for example, a much higher level of user comfort is expected than just ten years ago. Layouts need to be easily adaptable to modern scenarios with their flexible combination of team and individual work. Employees must be able to work more efficiently, communicate seamlessly and enjoy being productive. In terms of architecture, sustainable offices are oriented around the basic human need for comfort, light, sun and transparency. Experience shows that energy efficiency and a focus on comfort factors actually go extremely well together.

Integrated planning
The latest certification scheme, produced by the DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council), picks up on the trend for "intelligent" offices. It considers ecological, economic and sociocultural factors when assessing office and administrative buildings. The DGNB scheme was launched in early 2009 and in conjunction with major new legislation paved the way for real change in the German real estate sector. Everything is now in place to create a greener future.