According to the International Green Building Adoption Index, undertaken by CBRE and Maastricht University in the Netherlands, 18.6 per cent of space in 10 markets across Australia, Canada and Europe are now certified as "green" versus just 6.4 per cent in 2007. 

The study revealed an increased demand for more environmentally responsible buildings from governments, corporate tenants and institutional investors has been especially evident in cities where 'green' properties were virtually non-existent just a few years ago. 

Sydney and Melbourne increased their 'green' office square footage from less than one per cent to more than 46 and 28.8 per cent respectively. 

In order to achieve a 'green' certification status, buildings must incorporate sustainable waste management and resource usage intiatives, natural light and environmentally sustainable building materials.

Sydney and Melbourne ranked third and fourth behind Vancouver and Toronto who set the pace, with 51.6 per cent of 'green' space in Vancouver and 51 per cent of space in Toronto achieving 'green' status. 

Click here to read the full report. 

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