It’s a term that’s floating around the design and fit-out industry and many organisations, but what is a green lease? How does it work and should you have one?
In a recent article we answered the many questions we’re asked about a commercial lease, but a green lease goes one further.
Sustainable Practises
In a climate where sustainability is so important to the future of our planet, businesses should be adopting sustainable practises and a green lease can help achieve these environmental goals.
Essentially, a green lease contains additional provisions to a standard lease whereby the Landlord and the Tenant undertake specific responsibilities/obligations with regards to the sustainable operation of a property. This can include energy efficiency measures, waste reduction/management and water efficiency.
What’s the benefit?
Apart from the obvious contribution we should all be doing to protect the environment, industries and businesses have a responsibility to run their companies with sustainability at the core. It’s also increasingly attractive to investors by demonstrating a business as a ‘low risk’ commodity with its interest in addressing current and future business development and business trading legalities.
Alongside recycling, and work well-being, a green lease provides a pro-active, sustainable yet flexible method for landlords and tenants of commercial buildings to explore opportunities and to improve building performance which can also help provide a shared bottom-line business benefit.
How can you get started or see if you’re building is working sustainably?
The Better Buildings Partnership (BBP) has a comprehensive toolkit, providing guidance and better practises.
You can download the toolkit here.
*Rapport are passionate about providing workspace design and fit-out projects that are that are delivered sustainably (link to fit-out guide manual article)
Resources of interest
www.betterbuildingspartnership.co.uk
