Why renovate rather than build new?

The built environment is responsible for 40% of global C02 emissions, 33% of global waste, and nearly 50% of all extracted materials.
Prioritising renovation and transformation over building new plays a vital role in decarbonising the construction sector and its gaining momentum. Renovating existing buildings not only reduces carbon emissions and waste compared to building new but can also be more cost effective and attractive to tenants.
This combined with legislation, like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) demanding smarter construction resource management, impacts real estate portfolio owners and investors. The business case for renovation is clear – the time is now to respect, review and renew.

The case for renovation and transformation

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Understand the financial, legislative, and sustainability drivers making renovation an attractive choice.
Watch the video to learn more.

Real estate renovation at a glance

  • : < 39 years
    is the average building lifespan due to premature demolition (source)
  • : 50,000 firms
    will be impacted by the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive from 2024 onwards
  • : 45%
    Renovating has the potential to be up to 45% more cost effective compared to building new (source)

Renovation and transformation assessment guide

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A practical guide to help property portfolio owners and investors assess the business case for renovation, as well as insights on how to mitigate risk and maximise rewards.
Download Renovation and transformation assessment guide
Renovation assessment guide thumbnail

Respect

"Every building deserves respect. Recognising and enhancing the economic, social, and environmental value of existing properties can be cost effective and more sustainable."
"Every building deserves respect. Recognising and enhancing the economic, social, and environmental value of existing properties can be cost effective and more sustainable.".....

Renovate, reuse, or build new?

Explore how you could best manage your asset - click through the test below (source: Mayor of London)

Is the existing building already on site?

Is the existing building already on site?

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Financial benefits of building renovation

Danish study reveals the environmental and economic benefits of renovating properties compared to building new properties

The business case for less new build

Three steps to meet increasing legal standards, while boosting profits and slashing embodied carbon

Navigating building transformation

Discover the benefits of transforming buildings, the obstacles asset owners typically face, and how to overcome them

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  • Scott Brookes

    Director, Building Retrofitting and Refurbishment

    +44 7971 987249

    United Kingdom

  • Mari Brandl

    Senior Director, Existing Buildings, Transformation

    +45 51 61 63 63

    Denmark

  • Heidi-Johanna Jokelainen

    Director, Existing Buildings

    +358 44 5363055

    Finland

  • Yu Huang

    Director, Buildings

    +65 9835 1835

    Singapore

  • Jessica Bergendahl

    Sector Lead Existing Buildings

    +46 70 29 461 26

    Sweden

  • Lars Boberg Hov

    Head of Department, Building Services

    +47 95 74 63 16

    Norway