Are you about to build, buy or invest in a residential or commercial property? Are you wondering whether or not building ‘green’ really matters in the long run?

I know as a residential property development director, sustainable integrated building and landscape design is paramount and it is something that consumers are not only requesting, but they are demanding.  

So what is this whole ‘green’ movement about? Well, it’s essentially an umbrella term used when describing anything that reduces the affect of human behaviour on the environment and creates a more liveable place using less energy and water.

Applied to the building industry, it often refers to building design, building systems and technologies used to reduce reliance on energy and town water supply and thereby running costs. Whether it is the right location of living rooms within the house, double glazing windows for noise and heat insulation, taller ceiling and window heights to let in more light to heat in winter, efficient hot water systems, or highly-efficient insulation, green features can reap long-term befits for both tenants and landlords.

These examples are just a few which would significantly reduce running costs in the long term and improve the enjoyment of living in that space. But it’s not just about how the building is designed and what products are used. Green and sustainable practice extends to things like the use of rain water for gardens, planting native trees and also how much construction waste is recycled.

Going green is not just about the feel good factor, it’s about real long-term efficiencies for both tenants and landlords and the future resale value of the home.

In a market where over a quarter of homes are purchased for investment, sustainable building design is an essential consideration of why people purchase with us.  It means that the property is more attractive for tenants and in the long-term it means less maintenance, less running costs and higher capital return for the landlord.

In my opinion, green really does matter when it comes to investment properties.