Green classrooms and office buildings are not only good for your health, but also contribute to measurable improvements in cognitive function and productivity.
The Benefits of Green Buildings and Cleaning
Green cleaning is no longer the fringe method of eclectic businesses and private institutions.
Contracting Profits surveyed facility executives in commercial offices to find out how much green truly matters and what aspects of an environmentally friendly cleaning program are most important.
According to the survey, 86 percent of facility executives expect the cleaning contractors they hire to practice green cleaning whenever possible.
The logic behind the motivation is crystal clear--organizations that employ green cleaning practices have students and workers that outperform their counterparts in cognitive function, health, and productivity.
A 2017 study from Harvard University, Syracuse University and SUNY Upstate Medical University on the impact of green buildings on cognitive function found that participants in green office environments were more productive than those in conventional buildings.
Those working in well-ventilated environments were also the ones with the highest levels of cognitive function, the studies found.
Green workspaces also promote collaboration, so workplaces are being designed with open spaces that promote movement, collaboration and networking.
However, many organizations are taking 'going green' to a whole new level.
Biophilic Architecture & Design
Biophilic architecture and design concepts integrate nature into the workplace--literally.
We're not talking about a few plants here and there to brighten up a commercial office space, but the integration of nature--plants and natural sunlight--into an open office design that encourages collaboration in an environment more akin to working outdoors.
Biophilic designed buildings could potentially eliminate challenges associated with sick building syndrome and have been shown in early tests to promote health, mental and physical wellbeing, as well as productivity and engagement.
According to research published by Marjorie Blom of The University of Kwazulu Natl;
Futuristic sustainability should have the combination of biophilic design and low environmental impact, resulting in a restorative nature-based design: a true result of a positive psychological environment, a ‘sense of place,’ people want to experience, that is healthy, nurturing, and delightful to its occupants, improving the experiential quality of architectural space.
What Does A Green Building Look Like?
There are several components to a sustainable and forward-focused green building design, including:
- Design & Managment - Integrated design processes--an approach that seeks to address the numerous social and environmental challenges facing modern building construction and occupancy--focus on achieving cost-effective design and operation solutions that focus on sustainability and minimal environmental impact. For older building designs, it's probably more important to focus on product purchasing and vendor relationships at this stage.
- Energy & Resource Managment - At this stage, every business can assess where they are wasting vital resources, especially water and electricity, via outdated equipment or internal processes. This is one of the areas where the adoption of green cleaning practices will be of great benefit.
- Office Environment - This area addresses occupant comfort--specifically lighting, temperature, and indoor air quality. This is also one of the most cost-effective areas for any organization to address and has been shown to deliver a relatively high return on low resource investment. One of the most popular solutions is to throw open the blinds and allow employees to work where they choose. Studies have shown that they will most often choose a location near an open window with sun exposure, which can dramatically reduce energy consumption.
- Workplace Health & Wellbeing - This area is primarily concerned with the mental and physical health of building occupants, and advises on workplace wellness programs, providing healthy diet options, as well as spaces to relax or exercise.
For More Information:
References & Resources
Takeaway
More than ever before, the necessity of green buildings and green cleaning practices has become painfully apparent.
Facilities managers--those tasked with the successful management and cost-effect performance of large office or educational buildings--are demanding the custodial teams responsible for the cleaning and health of the premises under their charge for a reason.
Put simply, green cleaning practices deliver the results necessary for schools and businesses to achieve high-level outputs with a resource investment that aligns with the financial realities of the modern world while meeting or exceeding consumer and occupant demands for eco and socially responsible stewardship.
If you would like to learn more about the health and performance benefits of green buildings and cleaning--contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Fresno CA, call (559) 206-1059
In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253
