There will be some positive outcomes from this global recession. The office market is a case in point and I believe that the economic climate will lead, and is already leading, to higher quality, better functioning buildings

The impact of tighter budgets on workplace design and sustainability is that we are forced to create flexible, high-performance buildings that best suit the needs of occupiers, and keep their efficiency levels high and costs low.

We do need to maintain sustainability standards at the same time, though. We must urge occupiers not just to opt for the cheapest solution, but to look at the benefits of reduced cost-in-use and environmental impact as well as a positive contribution to the community at large.

Whether BREEAM or LEED becomes the accepted benchmark for energy efficiency in Europe and beyond, efforts to improve must continue. This will be far more realistic once sustainability becomes intrinsically linked with accounting and occupiers are forced to set specific budgets aside.

There is no doubt that signs of life in the recession will come from refurbishment rather than new build. What we do during this time will set a precedent that we must not lose sight of when the market improves.

Jack Pringle, partner, Pringle Brandon

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