The Government believes that “sustainable construction can cost less, and certainly need not cost more than average.”

Important benefits of sustainable construction are said to include:

• Both lower capital and running costs – a typical office in the UK consumes around 200kWh/m 2 over a typical year,while best practice aims to achieve consumption of 100kWh/m 2 .Good environmental design can in fact lead to much lower figures.
  
• Improved performance for users – e.g. day lighting that makes people feel better, more productive and leads to lower maintenance and lighting bills
  
• An opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
  
• For any buildings involving letting they can also increase the speed of letting and level of rent, as Stanhope Properties's Chiswick Park development has shown in the office sector and BedZED with regard to residential property.