Sustainable Operation and Management of Buildings

CRiBE provides a unique service by encompassing sustainable management into both the design and the subsequent use of a building by its occupants. The implementation of the EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings has strengthened the need for research into resource efficiency within the property sector. Over the last 8 years, substantial research has been undertaken to investigate the barriers facing commercial landlords and tenants to make environmental improvements (thus driving sustainable operation) in both existing and new build. The major barrier identified was the inflexibility of the commercial lease agreement to include issues relating to improvement in building performance. Outcomes of this work have included development of model 'green lease' clauses and recommendations to assist landlords and tenants at lease negotiation stages.

This work has been undertaken with the support of a number of prestigious organisations including Welsh Assembly Government, British Property Federation, London Climate Change Agency, DLA Piper, CNC Properties and the Environment Agency Wales.