BUILDING A BUSINESS CASE FOR GREEN BUILDINGS

Abstract

Green building is not just about the 'science' of the making. The realisation of a green building also depends on its perceived economic viability. As a budding industry , construction professionals are generally unsure and skeptic over the issue of cost and prospect of green buildings, hence their unwillingness to venture into the green buildings market. This paper aims to give a better understanding of the business aspect of green buildings by first exploring architects' attitudes and perceptions of green buildings. A market study through BCI green building market survey and three personal interviews with architects of different firm sizes were done to give a better understanding of the current situation in green building market. In addition challenges faced by architects in sustainable design that have prevented wider adoption of green building practice across the industry will be discussed. Finally,strategies to help overcome these impediments will be presented. I conclude the paper by suggesting a business toolkit to assist architects in overcoming the impediments in green building design.