Why did I write this book?

A captivating voyage of discovery

A pioneering group of innovators, scientists, policymakers, architects, building and property developers and clients have embarked on the adventure of sustainable building. I myself have also experienced just what a captivating voyage of discovery it is, as I developed two sustainable corporate buildings for Search while simultaneously writing this book.  

It is no more than logical that questions arise as to the profitability of sustainable building. Sustainable building is, after all, more expensive, isn’t it? Well, that all depends. Sustainable building means that you reuse materials saved during the process of demolition. This helps reduce the costs that would otherwise be incurred for their disposal. A sustainable building generates its own energy, purifies air and water and derives energy from waste. This makes for reduced energy costs. One therefore has to calculate the costs in a different manner to simply compare them with those of conventional building methods.  

Sustainable building, sustainable profits is the story of my quest to find sustainable solutions for area developers, policymakers, the property sector, architects, the building and electrical & mechanical engineering sectors, as well as clients. Best practices have already been established for sustainable projects, both in the Netherlands and abroad, which provide convincing evidence of the benefits of sustainable property and area development. The technology exists; many of the materials are already available.                                       

Perhaps more important, however, is that this book should contribute to people making the switch to a green mindset. I therefore invite the industrial, building, electrical & mechanical engineering and property sectors, and policymakers and clients to acquaint themselves with the benefits and opportunities of sustainable building. And the many inspiring examples that this book contains are as good a place as any to start. As both a human being and an entrepreneur, I am keen – as are millions of other people – to make a significant contribution towards a clean, beautiful and healthy world. This can be achieved by sharing our knowledge, inspiring one another and by innovating.

Anne-Marie Rakhorst