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About WorldGBC Statement Foreword Introduction Foreword Sustainability is becoming an integral part of the business case for the global real estate market Since the publication of WorldGBC’s ‘The Business Case for Green Buildings’ report in 2013, the global network has seen the building and construction industry increasing their awareness about sustainability, and starting to differentiate in quantifying the value of built assets based on green credentials. There are a multitude of economic imperatives and opportunities for investing, developing, designing, constructing or occupying sustainable buildings or infrastructure assets. These range from higher sale or rental value, reduced construction and operating costs, to lower asset risk and insurance premiums. However, for the global real estate sector today, the value proposition is both broadening and increasing in prominence. Awareness of social value — comprising environmental, economic and community-based interventions to enhance our quality of life — is on the rise across the real estate sector 1 . Although social and environmental impacts are not yet being widely captured within asset value, ethical action is being driven through leaders across the value chain — from financial, public and private sector organisations across all geographies. Through this report, WorldGBC presents the drivers for the broadening business case within the context of current and future market trends. These are both the drivers that set the economic business case, including policy, sustainable finance, and corporate risk and reputation; plus the compelling forces behind the rise in social value — from the aftermath of the pandemic to urgency for action on the climate crisis and wider environmental and social issues. Considering the wider value proposition — encompassing climate action and social value alongside financial benefits and risk mitigation — strengthens the business case for a sustainable built environment. You cannot afford not to be part of the sustainability movement — from an ethical, financial, risk mitigation or future-proofing perspective. Green assets are an opportunity not to be missed. 404 | | BEYOND THE BUSINESS CASE
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Drivers of the Business Case The Business Case Strengthening the Case: Social Value The Social Value Case Future-Proofing The Value Proposition IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE PANDEMIC THERE IS URGENT ACTION NEEDED FOR THE CLIMATE CRISIS AND WIDER ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES We hope this report inspires both optimism and urgency. WorldGBC calls for deep, unprecedented collaboration and multi-stakeholder action across the entire value chain, that will provide both business benefit and resilience, and create equitable societies and support the creation of equitable societies. Together we can drive a zero carbon, resilient, healthy and sustainable future. You cannot afford not to be part of the sustainability movement - from an ethical, financial, risk mitigation or future-proofing perspective. A WORLD GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL REPORT | | 05
