Sustainable building, also known as green building, has long been more than just a passing trend. It is a global phenomenon, attracting a growing number of investors around the world – and for a good reason: While the impact on the environment is minimized, investors benefit from a long time horizon, low operating costs and the premium price these high-grade buildings achieve.

For a property to obtain the “Green Building” certification, it must undergo a comprehensive sustainability evaluation: high energy efficiency, resource-conserving materials, use of the existing infrastructure, durable and versatile products – just some of the factors that contribute to compliance with sustainable building standards and the award of the quality seal.

Geberit is serving this growth market with appropriate products: for example, the water-saving dual-flush and flush-stop technologies. In 2011 alone, these helped save around 1,700 million cubic meters of water, equivalent to more than half the annual water consumption of all German households.

We are continuing to invest in research and development to strengthen our position as a leading provider of sustainable solutions. This means we are well prepared for whatever challenges the future brings and for healthy and sustainable growth of the company. And that will prove its worth, not least for our shareholders.

Green superblock – Le Monolithe in Lyon (FR) is one of the most impressive urban development projects. It has green building certification and uses 80% renewable energy.

Sheer elegance – International fashion company Diesel has moved into new headquarters in Breganze (IT). The smooth façade of the office complex conceals a comprehensive system of sustainable building maintenance technology.

Sustainability on the rise – The Uptown Tower in Zug (CH) is an urban residential and business complex planned and built in accordance with the strict sustainability criteria of the Credit Suisse Real Estate Fund Green Property.

Water-saving luxury hotel – Efficient use of water is built into every aspect of the five-star Hotel Shangri-La in Vancouver (CA) – just one of the reasons the luxury hotel has been awarded LEED Silver certification.

Glass stalactite – Since autumn 2011, the Prime Tower has been setting new standards – as the tallest skyscraper in Switzerland and with regard to sustainability. The aim is to obtain the internationally recognized sustainability certification LEED Gold.