Edge Environment recently surveyed over 1,000 architects in Australia to find out the current role of green credentials and certifications of building products. The key objective was to establish to what extent the industry considers environmental certifications a differentiator when selecting building products.
Based on responses from over 60 practices:
- 74% of respondents think that Environmental Certifications are a differentiator when selecting/purchasing building products.
- 78% have selected building products with environmental certifications.
- Over 75% are directly or indirectly influenced by certifications such as Green Tag, Good Environmental Choice Australia and the Forest Stewardship Council.
Green Star is the dominant driving force in the market. In Green Star there is a mechanism for architects to gain credits through demonstrating the credentials of a product, but it is far more work – much easier for architects to specify a product that is labelled. Virtually all architects claim they are directly or indirectly influenced by Green Star.
Since our first survey in 2007, all indicators show an increase in understanding and importance of environmental credential. Yes, price, quality, performance and aesthetics remain key factors. However, green credentials today make up close to 25% of the decision weight.