Change of mindset needed for new sustainable and efficient office space

Research commissioned by the British Council for Offices (BCO) has revealed that the office sector will continue to be shaped by increasingly rigorous environmental legislation, making the risk of office space becoming obsolete even greater.

Core findings include that increasingly stringent environmental regulation will have a growing impact on architects, developers and occupiers, whilst also having a knock-on effect on investment in commercial property.

Commenting on options to reduce a building’s energy footprint, SAS International’s Malcolm Stamper says: “This still requires a change of mindset for many clients, developers and letting agents who know the costs of historic systems and are comfortable with their benefits and disadvantages.

“Studies have shown for example that Chilled Ceiling and Chilled Beam systems are no more expensive to purchase and install, and are inherently cheaper to operate than previous industry standards of Variable Air Volume and Fan Coil Units for air conditioning.  Both require less input energy of Kw of cooling than VAV or FCU systems, and are an option for new build and refurbishment in the office sector.

“Part L of the Building Regulations and the Government’s targets will mean that change is inevitable and as an industry we need to work to new sustainable and efficient standards; and with energy costs on any business agenda, the time is right for change.”

The BCO report also highlighted developers will need to keep pace with changing occupier needs and the continued technological advancements that are shaping the way in which we do business.


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