If sustainable construction is to be widely adopted as a practice, developers need to be convinced that it is commercially viable
Developers often face the dilemma of whether to refurbish or redevelop. Refurbishment is currently perceived to be the more sustainable option, but the Sustainable Refurbishment project has shown that this is not always the case. The project, run by BRE and funded by the DTI under its Framework Programme, has investigated for the first time, the long term environmental sustainability of redevelopment and refurbishment using life cycle assessment.
If sustainable construction is to be widely adopted as a practice, developers need to be convinced that it is commercially viable. The project therefore focused on the financial implications of the choice, including both capital costs and whole life costs.
Two outputs have been produced both of which provide developers, investors, portfolio managers, surveyors and designers with background information on key issues that need to be considered in the decision making process.
– Office Scorer, an internet based decision support and guidance tool available at www.officescorer.info
– a two part BRE information paper 'Refurbishment or redevelopment of office buildings?' available from www.brebookshop.com
