Green buildings command higher rent

New evidence showing that having an environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient building can command higher rental and sales values could change the face of construction, it has been suggested.

Figures from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) show owners of eco-friendly buildings can ask for three per cent more in rent and 16 per cent more when it comes to selling, when compared to their non-green rivals.

The research, carried out in the US, showed solid evidence that building with the environment and energy-saving in mind can be beneficial.

Rics chief economist Simon Rubinsohn explained that it is important to have such proof as the lack of it had slowed down the industry.

"Previously with only anecdotal evidence available on which to base decisions surrounding development of energy efficient buildings, it is understandable that the uptake of some measures has been frustratingly slow," he said.

The news comes a day after Rics advised homeowners not to take the Bank of Englands figures surrounding mortgage lending as a sign that the housing market had recovered.