CoreNet Global, a major international association for corporate real estate and workplace executives, has released a public policy statement advocating adoption of net-zero energy buildings: "We support the principle that smart and responsible energy policies and practices reduce corporate carbon footprints and greenhouse gas emissions, and we encourage our members' companies to drive energy efficiency to optimal levels with net-zero buildings as a top measure of long-term success."
The same statement calls on federal governments around the world to incentivize building owners, investors, and occupants who proactively reduce their carbon footprints through the use of green energy development and retrofits.
"Office, industrial, retail and other types of commercial real estate account for 40% of the world's annual energy consumption, making energy management and energy conservation socially responsible corporate practices," says CoreNet Global Chairman Jim Scannell, Senior Vice President of Administrative Services at The Travelers Companies, Inc.
The statement emphasizes "tangible benefits for companies and management teams which prioritize energy efficiency and take steps to reduce the carbon footprint. They will realize meaningful return on investment financially, socially and environmentally—as is consistent with the principles of the Triple Bottom Line accounting model."
CoreNet Global's Issues Advocacy Focus Group coordinated the wide-ranging statement based on extensive input from subject matter experts and the extensive, long-term documentation of best-in-class energy management practices from among its more than 7,900 members worldwide. It also marks the first time that corporate occupiers representing the demand side of the commercial real estate industry have spoken with a unified voice to advocate for public policy issues and corporate practices that impact business and society. In its 2012 Industry Leaders Opinion Poll, 90% of CRE executives who responded regard energy management as the most urgent issue facing the CRE industry.
"We're beginning to see the huge environmental, social and economic benefits that energy-independent facilities are offering," Scannell added.
A related finding from CoreNet Global's new Corporate Real Estate 2020 research initiative identifies one key enabler of the migration toward net-zero, predicting that buildings will become energy-producing "micro-grids" that can share electric power across public and private distribution networks.
Key action steps advocated for developers include articulating a clear and compelling vision for energy efficiency; working with energy suppliers and other pieces of the supply chain; and continuously measuring consumption and performance. Government programs advocated include tax deductions for energy-efficiency projects; a federal loan guarantee program for retrofits; state and local incentives that favor efficiency upgrades or retrofits; and updated building codes that reward companies for peak performance.
(http://bit.ly/UJe2Wb)
Related Stories
| Sep 13, 2013
Insurance expert: Managing green liability risk not so different from 'normal' risk mitigation
Worries about legal liability have long dogged the sustainable building movement, but insurance expert Karen Erger says sustainability lawsuits are caused by the same types of issues that have always prompted clients to sue AEC firms.
| Sep 13, 2013
Video: Arup offers tour of world's first algae-powered building
Dubbed BIQ house, the building features a bright green façade consisting of hollow glass panels filled with algae and water.
| Sep 11, 2013
Slideshow: BUILDINGChicago 2013 draws more than 500 AEC professionals from 27 states
Here's a taste of the action from the inaugural BUILDINGChicago/Greening the Heartland conference and expo, which took place this week at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza.
| Sep 11, 2013
BUILDINGChicago eShow Daily – Day 3 coverage
Day 3 coverage of the BUILDINGChicago/Greening the Heartland conference and expo, taking place this week at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza.
| Sep 11, 2013
Inaugural BUILDINGChicago/Greening the Heartland Expo & Conference draws attendees from 27 states
More than 500 attendees from 27 states attended the inaugural BUILDINGChicago/Greening the Heartland Conference, held September 9-11, at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza.
| Sep 10, 2013
The new medical office building: 7 things to know about today’s outpatient clinic
Regulatory pressures, economic constraints, and emerging technologies are transforming healthcare. Learn how Building Teams are responding with efficient, appealing, boundary-blurring outpatient buildings.
| Sep 10, 2013
BUILDINGChicago eShow Daily – Day 2 coverage
The BD+C editorial team brings you this real-time coverage of day 2 of the BUILDINGChicago/Greening the Heartland conference and expo taking place this week at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza.
| Sep 10, 2013
Melbourne, Australia’s ambitious retrofit program earns climate leadership award
The 1200 Buildings program in Melbourne, Australia was designed to encourage the retrofitting of 1,200 commercial buildings, or about 70% of the city’s commercial buildings stock.
| Sep 9, 2013
Top 25 continuing education courses on BDCuniversity
An overview of the 25 most popular continuing education courses on BDCuniversity.com.
| Sep 6, 2013
Public Architecture's Day Labor Station: Just the type of 'great idea' we're looking for in the $5,000 Vision U40 competition
Thinking about competing in BD+C's Vision U40 program at next month's U40 Leadership Summit? Here's a good example of the kind of "great idea" we're looking for.
