In previous articles on sustainability, we have examined specification options that enhance the environmental performance of new buildings.

Many of these, green roofs for example, lie at the aspirational end of the sustainability spectrum and are often specified as much to exemplify the green agenda as to embody long-term, low carbon performance.

The sustainability agenda is developing quickly and large companies such as Asda Wal-Mart have pledged to reduce their carbon footprints, giving corporate credibility to sustainability initiatives.

With client expectations changing rapidly, developers and funders are increasingly required to promote a sustainability agenda that goes beyond compliance with regulations.

Although local authority requirements for on-site renewable energy may prove too difficult to meet using current technology, there are other aspects of sustainable development that can be addressed to meet a tenant’s environmental policy.

The question for developers is how far they need to go over and above present requirements to meet future client expectations and account for the impacts of climate change.

This article looks at occupier expectations of the sustainability agenda. It examines emerging trends in sustainability assessment criteria and how these influence strategies available for office development.

We also consider some issues associated with delivering the expected level of performance. The case study, based on a completed building in an out-of-town location, illustrates how a tenant can take an active role in enhancing a development’s sustainability performance.