August 18, 2008—Existing commercial real estate that does not undergo a “green retrofit” will relinquish market leadership within three years in terms of higher operating costs, lower productivity, declining attractiveness to workers, and negative brand image, according to Deloitte’s new survey, The Dollars and Sense of Green Retrofits. The survey was co-authored with green real estate authority and consultant Charles Lockwood.
A green retrofit can help building owners and corporate tenants introduce green benefits into existing occupied facilities—whatever their size, age, location, use, or ownership—in a prompt and cost-effective manner, with only minor impact on day-to-day operations, says Deloitte.
Findings from Deloitte’s survey of organizations that have undergone at least one LEED-certified green building retrofit include:
- While savings from energy efficiency was a top goal, as cited by 75% of respondents, corporate environmental commitment was the leading motive. 74% of respondents reported an actual cost savings resulting from the retrofit.
- 93% of respondents reported a greater ability to attract talent.
- 81% saw greater employee retention.
- 87% experienced an improvement in workforce productivity.
- 75% reported improvement in employee health.
- 100% of respondents experienced an increase in goodwill/brand equity.
Deloitte performed an online survey in 2007 of organizations that had carried out at least one US Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified green retrofit using either the LEED-Existing Buildings (LEED-EB) or LEED-Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI) rating program.
