BRE IP9/02/2 PDF

Introduction

Developers often face the dilemma of whether to refurbish a building or redevelop the site. Refurbishment is currently perceived to be the more sustainable option, but this research investigated the long term environmental sustainability of redevelopment and refurbishment using life cycle assessment.

The uptake of proven environmentally sustainable options will only become widespread when developers have confidence in the business viability of the approach. The research therefore also considered the financial implications of the choice, including both capital costs and whole life costs.

This paper summarises the case studies from this research. The aim is to assist clients, surveyors, agents and designers to make informed decisions between refurbishment and redevelopment. This will include economic considerations such as the relative likely costs of each. The software tool called Office Scorer is available for use free of charge at www.officescorer.info.