A new study of buildings in North America and the UK reveals a clear link between the market value of commercial property and its environmental friendliness

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) chief executive, Louis Armstrong, said: "40% of carbon emissions come from buildings. Finding incentives to make them greener is critical."

The international study, led by RICS in partnership with 10 government and private sector organisations, found that green buildings can:

- earn higher rents and prices
- attract tenants and buyers quickly
- cut tenant turnover
- cost less to operate and maintain


www.rics.org/greenvalue