'BCO can play key role in Russia's real estate industry'

The British Council of Offices (BCO) can play a vital role in raising the game of the real estate industry in Russia and Eastern Europe, according to Robert Fry of London-based architects firm Swanke Hayden Connell. Fry made the comment during a seminar on the first day of the BCO's annual conference in Brussels on Wednesday.

Pointing to Moscow, which is currently enjoying a major building boom, Fry noted that sophisticated building systems are largely unavailable there due to high taxes on imported materials and techniques. As a result, the industry has to resort to locally made products which are generally of an inferior quality. 'Sustainability is not as important as it is in the UK or Western Europe,' he said.

Awareness of environmental issues is also minimal in large parts of Eastern Europe, he added. 'Things are changing thanks to the influence of organisations like the BCO and foreign companies like AIG which are pushing the boundaries of LEED or BREEAM compatible rating systems. But it will take time.'

David Lawrence, regional director of planning and construction for AIG/Lincoln, pointed out that sustainable developments in Russia and Eastern Europe are largely being driven by international occupiers such as accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. But there are still many challenges facing the property industry, he added. 'Finding consultants who are aware of issues such as energy performance, water use and pollution is still a proplem in Central and Eastern Europe.'