Making sustainability work for the real estate sector

Finding the link between green initiatives and economic feasibility

The increased focus on green initiatives and sustainable business practices affects almost everyone involved in the real estate sector including home buyers, developers, government agencies and investors. Consumer demands, energy costs and environmental concerns are forcing many companies to think differently.

Demand for residential, commercial and industrial "green" buildings is increasing. Home buyers are insisting on new technology and energy efficient sources to address their environmental concerns. Builders and developers are more accountable and need to react to the changing demands of their client base.

The challenge is that sustainable materials mean an increase in construction costs and if consumers are not willing to pay more, this will affect your bottom line. Builders and developers feel the pressure to justify short-term costs because lenders want to know that they're making a secure investment. PricewaterhouseCoopers can help companies find ways to recoup the extra costs.

How we can help

With the increasing demand for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and better reputation management, PwC can help construction and real estate companies find ways to incorporate green alternatives and practices into their process. Here are some examples of how we can help:

• Corporate social responsibility strategy design and deployment
• Operation reviews and benchmarking
• Managing your environmental footprint
• Examining your natural products use to reduce associated costs
• Increase innovation by addressing corporate citizenship challenges

Contact a professional in your area to discuss your company's concerns.