Sustainability in the Built Environment

The built environment contributes around 37% of total global carbon emissions, consuming concrete, steel, aluminium, glass, refrigerants and energy. Changes in the building design, construction and operations in rapidly urbanizing economies could have a significant impact on global carbon emissions but vary from building to building.

This book examines the case for sustainability in the built environment including the importance of cities to public and environmental health and the business case for the sector rapidly adopting sustainable practices. Retrofit, new development and operational case studies from around the world are discussed as examples for building owners in rapidly emerging economies to learn from. The case studies include sustainability lessons from other industries, is supported by evidence from interviewees and is suitable for practitioners in the real estate sector needing to know how to navigate sustainability not only in their own business but also in relation to conversations with investors, tenants, suppliers and other stakeholders. 

Business executives from other industries will also find plenty to learn from the sustainability principles explained this book.

Sam Crispin is a Chartered Surveyor with over 30 years experience in Greater China and Asia Pacific real estate markets. He speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese, has a Master's Degree in Corporate Environmental Governance and is guest lecturer at The University of Hong Kong and other institutions. His professional work has covered sustainability in commercial buildings, ESG reporting, net zero pathways, urbanisation, economic development related projects as well as commercial, residential, industrial, tourism, leisure, sports, education and healthcare development strategy and business planning for a wide range of property developers, end users and investors.