MIPIM 2011: Green credentials decisive for property investors

A PROPERTY boasting sustainable ‘green’ credentials is the most decisive factor currently influencing investors, according to a survey carried out by Business Birmingham.

The research was conducted by the new investment arm of Marketing Birmingham ahead of its presence at this week’s MIPIM property conference, in Cannes.

It showed that nearly half of respondents (45%) to the poll on Business Birmingham’s website claimed a focus on sustainability was the most crucial issue in the current financial environment.

Almost a quarter (24%) highlighted low cost as the most pivotal reason, while 21% expressed a desire to be close to the business community when deciding to invest in a property.

Eugien Jaruga, director of partnerships at UK house builder Keepmoat and part of Birmingham’s MIPIM events programme, said: “MIPIM remains a hugely important event in the property industry calendar with hundreds of investors flocking to the event every year.

“The green agenda has become unavoidable for the real estate industry, and as leaders in delivery community regeneration across the UK we are passionate about creating vibrant, sustainable communities that people are proud to live and work in.

“Birmingham has shown its commitment to the green agenda by putting sustainable living at the forefront of its MIPIM programme.”

Business Birmingham and its partners will be hosting a variety of green-focused events at MIPIM including a presentation by Mr Jaruga about the company’s previous regeneration work and its longstanding relationship with Birmingham.

Wolverhampton-based support services company Carillion will be discussing the economics of sustainability in relation to the £188m Library of Birmingham project it is managing.

There will also be a presentation from Willmott Dixon on whether low carbon properties are actually needed and a breakfast meeting themed on how cities can support zero carbon property.