Is There Future For Energy Efficient Residential Buildings In Sweden? Property Developersí Insights On Green Housing Market

In 2008 just about 200 passive house dwellings were built in Sweden, in beginning of 2009 the amount doubled and reached in the end of 2009 about 900 dwellings (http://www.passivhuscentrum.se). The growth is clear, however still not that fast as it might be expected. Uncertainties of cost and benefits have been recognised as one of the most significant barriers for rapid development of green projects. Property developers have claimed insufficient interest and demand from investors, and in return developersí motivation (or lack of it) to build energy efficient buildings has been questioned. This paper presents results of the survey conducted between residential property developers, on subject of cost, risks and experience in building green residential buildings in Sweden. The paper provides valuable insights into market development of energy efficient residential buildings, business opportunities and incitements that may contribute to more rapid grow of green housing market. The results reveal that green residential buildings are generally more expensive than traditional buildings; however the cost difference decreases, and even becoming comparable. Developers recognize business opportunities that green buildings have to offer, declaring willingness to build more energy efficient houses. At the same time development especially in building technology and standardization of construction elements as well as incitements (like for example tax reductions) are believed to be crucial contributing factors in achieving more rapid grow of green residential building market.