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Sustainability covers many facets of modern life - images courtesy of Tourism Queensland image library


How much will building owners and tenants pay to cut greenhouse gas emissions?

ISR has internationally recognised research expertise in understanding the drivers of social change and the implications of change for individuals, families, communities and nations.

ISR develops research programs with industry with a strong applied social research orientation. One such project includes Integra Asset Management and how best to engage tenants and building owners in the process of becoming green.

With the formal value of “green” office buildings not yet widely recognised, ISR researchers are trying to find out how much building owners and tenants will pay to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The research is important because greenhouse gas emissions from commercial office buildings are predicted to reach 63 million tonnes by 2010 – double 1990 levels.

Existing QUT research indicates many commercial tenants believe occupying “green” buildings is the way of the future. But many do not understand what this means in practical or financial terms.

Most tenants are not completely convinced that being “green” would be good for their business and are concerned about the upfront costs of sustainability initiatives on their rent.

This research will fill a huge gap in information on what motivations tenants and get involved in sustainability. It will drill down to the key factors involved in commercial office selection, knowledge of sustainability designs and technologies as well as the perceived benefits, costs and disadvantages of sustainability initiatives.

For further information, contact Assoc Prof Laurie Buys at










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