Green building wave gains momentum globally

Rising energy prices, government incentives and enhanced brand image are three of the main motivators that are driving energy-efficiency investments in buildings to new levels, according to a new global study. The fifth annual Energy Efficiency Indicator survey of nearly 4,000 building owners and operators around the world was carried out by Johnson Controls' Institute for Building Efficiency, the International Facility Management Association and the Urban Land Institute. As a result, owners have set an average energy reduction target of 12pc. Respondents also reported a growing interest in green building certification, with four in 10 respondents in 2011 stating that they had a certified green building. The report says that, for the first time, green building certification efforts were more prevalent in existing than in new buildings.http://businessandleadership.com/sustainability/item/30798-green-building-wave-gains/