Pinnacle MC Global discuss what it takes to be enviromental with new developments.

1. Everyone is Talking About
Green Building

2. Introduction
In this day and age is it paramount for everyone involved in the real estate market
to be conscious of the environment. Green building is the hot topic on the table for
architects, property developers, surveyors and management companies. In order to
be taken seriously in the market companies must involve environmentally friendly
principles in their work. The question is, how can this be done?

3. Who sets the standard?
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment (BREEAM) is the world
leading environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings. It was
launched in 1990 and now has 425,000 buildings with certified assessment ratings
and two million registered for assessment. The body sets the standard for best
practice in sustainable building design, construction and operation and is one of
the most comprehensive and widely recognised measures of a building's
environmental performance. It works by encouraging designers, clients and others
to think about low carbon and low impact design, minimising the energy demands
created by a building before looking at energy efficiency and low carbon
technologies.

4. Example - Living Planet Centre
The World Wildlife Fund has created the Living Planet Centre, which is possibly the
most eco-friendly and energy-efficient building out of all the 2015 Royal Institute of
British Architects award winners. Designed by Hopkins Architects, the building
minimizes its environmental impact and educates the public on it’s a range of
sustainable features. The solar-powered project was built on a former brownfield
and the design includes passive solar principles, recycled construction materials,
energy-efficient appliances, rainwater catchment systems, and easy access to public
transit.

5. Example - BowZed
The BowZed building was designed by pioneering eco-architect Bill Dunster, who
was also behind the BedZed development in south London. One of the most
impressive features of this building is that it is so well insulated there are no central
heating systems in the flats. The inhabitants get 40% of their electricity from
photovoltaic panels and 50% from a micro wind turbine on the stair tower. Hot
water is provided using a boiler powered by wood pellets.