Open To The Elements
Property Report|April - May 2017

From an Olympic-standard stadium in Mongolia to a Hainan wellness centre, eco-conscious engineer Armelle Le Bihan has harnessed natural resources to elevate projects across Asia.

Pippa Woodhead
Open To The Elements

Armelle Le Bihan may be able to reel off climate change statistics as easily as most of us recite the alphabet. But the Bangkok-based engineer is a far cry from clichéd images of a dreadlocked, patchouli-oil-scented eco warrior.

“Green building is not a tree hugger’s trend,” she says as she outlines her practical vision for a more environmentally aware real estate sector. “Not only do such building practices respond positively to environmental issues, they also make business sense.”

Having started her company Green Building Consulting and Engineering just two and a half years ago, she’s already carved out a stellar reputation for herself.

Projects across the region have benefited from her expertise and she has already been rewarded with prestigious industry gongs. Her latest commission is also one of her most ambitious: the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium in Ulaanbaatar, the pollution-ridden capital of Mongolia.

While travelling around Asia to preach the gospel of green engineering can be a challenge, Le Bihan is passionate about what she does. “It’s all about community,” she says.

How would you best describe green buildings?

To put it simply, green buildings use fewer resources. They are also designed to foster a positive impact on the environment and enhance comfort, wellbeing and health. This is really important when we consider that the average person spends 90 percent of their time indoors. Green buildings generally have 14 percent lower operational costs, 30 percent higher occupant satisfaction and typically have 7 percent increased asset value compared to non-green buildings. This is amazing when you consider they only cost 1-2 percent more to build.

Why is it so important for real estate developers to start going green?

Denne historien er fra April - May 2017-utgaven av Property Report.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra April - May 2017-utgaven av Property Report.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA PROPERTY REPORTSe alt
Singapore Starts To Swings
Property Report

Singapore Starts To Swings

Generous stimulus has saved the Lion City’s economy from disaster, and a percolating post-pandemic boom looks set to send the residential sector into overdrive

time-read
8 mins  |
August - September 2021
Natural Highs
Property Report

Natural Highs

With people seeking safe ways of re-engaging with the outside world, the pandemic has steered investment in key ski markets back on-piste

time-read
5 mins  |
August - September 2021
It's In Hua Hin
Property Report

It's In Hua Hin

A long-time favorite of Thai royalty and weekenders travelling from Bangkok, the famous beach town is adding some alluring new strings to its bow

time-read
3 mins  |
August - September 2021
Blues In The Blood
Property Report

Blues In The Blood

As China’s cities explode, its built heritage is often neglected. Hangzhou-based Bluetown Architects aims to redress that balance through its striking but functional work

time-read
6 mins  |
August - September 2021
Little Joy Soldiers
Property Report

Little Joy Soldiers

Real estate sales offices are reopening in Yangon, but banking problems, low confidence and oversupply mean a bleak outlook as the army seeks to entrench rule

time-read
4 mins  |
August - September 2021
Youth Movement
Property Report

Youth Movement

Young members of a storied family shift property development in Cebu forward with a smart, green commercial tower, rising tall above an heirloom estate

time-read
7 mins  |
August - September 2021
Gift From Above
Property Report

Gift From Above

Source Global is tapping into a renewable source— the sky—to supply drinking water to residential communities and commercial properties in Asia

time-read
6 mins  |
August - September 2021
Proptech Is Enhancing Efficiency And Human Experience
Property Report

Proptech Is Enhancing Efficiency And Human Experience

The pandemic has forced the real estate industry into a more meaningful embrace with technology after years of flirting with innovation

time-read
8 mins  |
August - September 2021
Legacy Of Handy, Individualistic Inventions
Property Report

Legacy Of Handy, Individualistic Inventions

The global crisis has caused unprecedented pain, but its extraordinary nature has seen it spawn a legacy of handy, individualistic inventions

time-read
1 min  |
August - September 2021
Wave Of Mutilation
Property Report

Wave Of Mutilation

Lockdown disruption, evolving working conditions and an exodus by offshore gaming operators have sent the vital office space sector in the Philippines into freefall

time-read
7 mins  |
August - September 2021