![handle is hein.journals/jppel4 and id is 1 raw text is: The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/1756-1450.htm
IJLBE Improving environmental
performance through innovative
commercial leasing
6 An Australian case study
A. Craig Roussac
Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning, University of Sydney, Sydney,
Australia and
Investa Sustainability Institute, Sydney, Australia, and
Susan Bright
New College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to illustrate, by reference to practical examples, how leases of
commercial buildings can be more responsive to environmental issues.
Design/methodology/approach - The paper explains how difficult it is within the structure and
content of conventional leases to reduce the environmental impact of the tenanted commercial built
environment. It explores the interplay between the content and structure of commercial leases and the
behaviour of building owners, managers, tenants and occupants, illustrated through the experiences of
a large Australian-based commercial office building owner/operator.
Findings - With reference to practical examples it shows how conventional leases stifle innovation
and illustrates the difficulties in drafting leases that enable a responsive approach to building
management to be adopted. It shows how more fundamental changes that align and reward owners
and tenants for working together for mutual benefit are required.
Practical implications - The paper presents a number of model clauses for encouraging best
environmental practices and concludes with a suite of recommendations.
Originality/value - Although there have been conversations about green leases in recent years,
there is little detailed evidence of their use in the marketplace. This paper remedies that deficiency by
taking a case study approach that: illustrates the opportunities and difficulties in negotiating green
leases; and shows how attempts to provide innovative building management can be hindered or
supported by lease terms.
Keywords Australia, Leasing, Commercial property, Commercial leases, Environmental performance,
Leasehold innovation, Energy efficiency, Thermal comfort, Green leases
Paper type Case study
1. Introduction
This paper illustrates some of the opportunities and challenges involved in adapting
tenanted commercial space to improve environmental performance and reduce energy
consumption. Through a focus on the experience of a large Australian-based commercial
International Journal of Law in the office building owner and operator, Investa Property Group[1], we illustrate the
Built Environment complexities of improving the environmental performance of tenanted space.
Vol. 4 No. 1, 2012 o h niomna e1rac eaiusae
pp. 6-22
© Emerald Group Publishing Limited [1] One of the co-authors, Craig Roussac, works for Investa Property Group as General Manager
1756-1450/ 2 1 - ofstcnab thoty, a and E rknt.
DCI 10.1108/17561451211211714 - Sustainability, Safety and Environment.](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.journals/jppel4&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)
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