The Leader - July/August 2008 - (Page 43)

eM ea ’s B u Ild I Ng e Ne rg y ratI Ng : re ady to take sto ck? F IG. 1 the cycle of BlaMe We conclude that Germany’s approach to educating/training suitably qualified professionals appears ideal in terms of providing the most straightforward solution to delivering the implementation of the certification system across the EU. c o Ns t ru c t o rs “We can build sustainable efficient buildings but developers don’t ask for them” occu p Ier s “We would like to have more sustainable buildings but there is too little choice” hoW has the property INdustry reacted? IN ves t or s “We would fund sustainable and efficient buildings but there is no occupier demand for them” d e v e lo p e rs “We would ask for sustainable buildings but the investors won’t pay for them” carried out by the private sector, with central governments providing a framework and/or an agreed list of suitable assessor training organizations. However, because interpretations of the Directive vary across EU member states, the implementation plans proposed by the different member states also vary. In France, for example, assessors who hold an AFNOR qualification will be entitled to issue certificates, while in Germany those who hold a degree in architecture are entitled. As a result we believe that, uniquely, certified property professionals in Germany are already well placed to assess buildings in a manner that meets the various requirements of the EU Directive. Elsewhere, i.e. in Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK, it is estimated that between 1,000 and 2,000 assessors will be required in each country. At the time of writing, the number of suitably qualified people in each of the countries surveyed is well below those figures – a fact that has led some industry commentators to predict delays in implementing the BER. This raises the question whether the property industry across Europe is fully prepared for the impending legislation. Through our survey work and an assessment of market sentiment it is clear that there is a wide range of understanding of both the requirements for the certificate and the subsequent preparation for and implementation of those certificates. Previous studies have identified a ‘cycle of blame’ (See Figure 1), which shows that developers and investors alike are waiting for occupiers to declare their demand for ‘green’ properties, and thus creating a defined market segment. Simultaneously, developers believe that there is no evidence that corporate occupiers are willing to pay increased or premium rents to compensate developers for any extra costs incurred in the construction of sustainable buildings. Through our survey work outlined in the following section, this perception would appear to be misplaced. Professional Bodies. Recent years have seen a large increase in the volume of commentary released by property professional bodies regarding the implementation of the energy efficiency of buildings directive. Information from the construction sector on BER often provides examples of how to retrofit a building and explanations of ways to improve buildings. Recommendations to improve the asset rating of buildings can often include (but are not limited to) a review of the following: n Fan efficiency n Average seasonal efficiency of chillers & boilers the le ade r 43 J u ly / a u g u s t

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of The Leader - July/August 2008

The Leader - July/August 2008 Leadership Contents Message from the CEO Real Estate in the News Organizational Design Accommodating Growth Responding to the Challenge EMEA's Building Energy Rating TVA's Shortcut to Success ANZ Banking Group’s Jane Hamilton Tractus Asia’s Dennis Messeroll Arizona’s Greg Weiner Workplace Design Workplace Directory The Texas Report Industry Tracker Discovery Forum Findings Career Development Congratulations to 2008 Corenet Global Award Winners! Young Leader Economic Development in the News Connect with Corenet Global A Look Ahead

The Leader - July/August 2008

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