Why have a high performance built environment?

Opportunity - Current

Reduced operating costs

Through reduced energy demand and through use of low energy systems and renewable energy sources (now also with feed in tariffs).

Reduced capital cost

With reduced energy demand smaller plant systems may be installed.

Threat - Current

Greenhouse gas emission reduction targets

Government commitments are increasing in severity i.e.

• 2006 target – 20% by 2010, 60% by 2050^[4]
• 2009 target – 18% by 2020, 80% by 2050^[5]

This will require significant investment in energy infrastructure with an inevitable rise in energy costs and financial disincentives to emit greenhouse gases.

Opportunity - Current

Better productivity

Given that greater satisfaction with surroundings does lead to better productivity then evidence points to the greatest benefit being where occupants have an appropriate amount of control in addition to being comfortable^[2].

Threat - Long Term

Significant shifts in climate

The future climate will not be the same as the one designed for today^[6][7].

Retrofittable measures or buildings with wider performance envelopes should be high on the agenda.

Threat - Long Term

Price rises in energy to ensure security of supply

With ofgem predicting up to £200B investment being required^[3] end user costs will inevitably rise.