It’s not only a trend or the latest fashion during these changing times — it’s something that every individual must now consider in order to fight climate change and help save the earth. Go green! Let’s all be environment friendly by choosing a green office building! Marcus Burtenshaw of Knight Frank Chartered (Thailand) has enumerated the following important criteria in choosing an office space or a building. Firstly, he cited ‘location’ as one important point to consider — that it should minimize staff commute and sales-trip times. Secondly, that it should be accessible by public ‘transport’ options, i.e. buses, trains, boats, motorcycles, etc. Thirdly, that a computer-controlled ‘building management’ system may be in place as it will manage the utilities and building settings. Fourth, solar-tinted glazing and exterior sun-shading really helps save energy consumption especially with the ‘natural light’ that can offer enough brightness inside and help save money by cutting electricity bills thereby making the staff and company more productive. Fifth, is that since the ‘cooling systems’ of most buildings consume most of the electricity, chilled water systems with variable air-volume controls may be installed as they consume substantially less electricity than air conditioners. Sixth, ‘proximity to open areas’ can enhance employee satisfaction, well-being and help to mitigate the effects of climate change in cities. And finally, fitting out your office space with nice ‘decorations’ or window blinds to reduce the glare is a key opportunity to specify low-energy fittings for your work place.