Builders overestimate cost of going green - WBCSD

Builders, architects and estate agents massively overestimate the cost of
'green' buildings and underestimate their impact on climate change,
according to a global survey by the World Business Council for Sustainable
Development (WBCSD).
Respondents to the 1,400-person survey of the construction and real estate
industries on average judged that a 'green' building would cost 17% more to
construct than a regular building. But the true cost is likely to be under
5% more than buildings which are not built to be, for example, more energy
efficient or water efficient, the WBCSD said.

French and Indian property professionals were closest to the true cost, with
an average estimate of 12% and 11% more than a standard build, respectively.

Asked what percentage of direct and indirect carbon dioxide emissions come
from the construction and management of buildings, the average response was
19% - the true figure is around 40%. The US construction and real estate
industry put the figure even lower, at 12%.

Björn Stigson, president of the WBCSD, said: "In order to achieve a step
change in energy efficiency in buildings, there is a need for strongly
supportive policies and regulatory frameworks. Governments and local
authorities need to develop sound policies."

Bruno Lafont, chairman and CEO of French cement firm Lafarge, added: "The
world is undergoing a rapid transformation, with strong demographic and
economic growth driving a move towards urbanisation on an unprecedented
scale. We as industry leaders have a responsibility to ensure that this
growth is achieved in a sustainable manner."

Only one in seven of the industry respondents had directly participated in a
green building project, the survey showed. In Japan, this fell to 3%, with
only 5% of building professionals even considering the option. By contrast,
45% of German respondents had direct experience of green building practices.
Yet, respondents identified "personal know-how" as the most important
influence on whether they consider such projects.

The survey forms part of a report on the realities and opportunities for
energy efficiency in buildings, which carries further warnings for the
building industry on the impact of its rapid expansion.

The report warns that China is constructing 2 billion square metres, or the
equivalent of Japan's built-up space, every three years. Energy demand in
both China and India is expected to mushroom in the coming years, with
buildings set to be a prime driver. The WBCSD plans a further report,
setting out a roadmap to encourage energy efficiency in buildings and limit
their impact on global emissions and climate change