Three reasons to be cheerful in a downturn

Promotor of sustainable building practices The Green Register (TGR) has listed three reasons for optimism about sustainable design in an economic slowdown. The group is running the Sustainable Building & Services course this week to offer designers advice about sticking to green principles as budgets are cut.

The course will look at three reasons to be cheerful.

1. Sustainable building is building for a brighter future: Whilst it may seem to some an unaffordable luxury when we are all having to tighten our belts, sustainable building legislation is being introduced at a fast and furious pace. Some of the more stringent legislation will be in place when the economy improves so firms should learn about green building approaches now and get ahead of the game.

2. Making use of a quieter time: If things are slow in the office, firms should use this time to improve their knowledge and awareness of sustainable building issues.

3. Staying ahead of your competitors: Increasing knowledge of sustainable building practices will give firms an edge over their competitors, and it will enable them to access a rapidly increasingly market for green building products and services.

Lucy Pedler, TGR director, said: “We aim to provide support to the UK construction industry in meeting new government targets on sustainability, and ultimately bring about the necessary change in the way that we build.”