A recent survey conducted by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has confirmed that workers and occupants of LEED Certified Green Buildings are happier, healthier, and more productive than their counterparts.
The Positive Impact of Working in a Green Building Environment
A new study has revealed that office workers are not only happier and more productive in LEED-certified green buildings, they consciously prefer and seek out employment with organizations operating out of these types of facilities.
[...] results showed that people’s decisions were influenced by whether or not the workplace was in a LEED-certified building.
More than 90 percent of respondents in LEED-certified green buildings say they are satisfied on the job and 79 percent say they would choose a job in a LEED-certified building over a non-LEED building.
More than 80 percent of respondents say that being productive on the job and having access to clean, high-quality indoor air contributes to their overall workplace happiness and comfort, and improves their physical health.
Plus, 85 percent of employees in LEED-certified buildings also say their access to quality outdoor views and natural sunlight boosts their overall productivity and happiness.
Survey: Employees Healthier, More Productive In Green Buildings
Additionally, the positive impact of working in a green building is demonstrable among demographics with pre-existing medical conditions.
[...] employees who suffer from asthma and respiratory illness could provide 1.75 additional hours of work each year thanks to health improvements achieved by working in a green building. Interesting, those who reported having suffered from depression and stress in the past might gain as many as 2.02 additional work hours per year.
The Benefits of Green Building on Employees – Improving Health and Productivity
The Benefits of Green Buildings
Beyond personal health, job satisfaction, and productivity, green buildings have a positive impact on several areas of importance to businesses and society in general, including:
- Environmental - Green buildings have an enormous potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (an estimated 84 gigatonnes of CO2 by 2050) and reducing resource use--specifically potable water, by as much as 51% (varied by market), as well as using, on average, 25% less energy than their conventional counterparts.
- Economic - Green buildings are valued at a rate approximately 7% higher than traditional structures, have the potential to reduce global energy expenditure by an estimated $320 to $428 Billion annually, and added 3.3 Million jobs in the U.S. in 2018, as well as resulting in approximately $23.45 Billion in GDP in Canada, and;
- Social - Studies have shown that occupants of green-certified buildings improved cognitive function by as much as 101%, increased efficiency by approximately 8%, as well as sleep by as much as 46 minutes per night, simply by working in an office with a window.
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Get Going With Green Building Basics
A full reconstruction or corporate relocation is likely not in the cards for most schools or businesses.
Fortunately, there are several cost-effective methods for starting your organization down the path of becoming a greener and more environmentally conscious leader, including:
- Biophilic Design - Bringing nature indoors by providing windows that overlook natural settings and provide sunlight, combined with live plants liberally placed throughout the workspaces has a demonstrably positive impact on occupant health and performance.
- Open Workspaces - Open or shared workspaces, while presenting challenges pertaining to health and safety, have been shown to increase collaboration and a sense of belonging that translates into an increased creative and productive output, and;
- Healthy Workplaces - The availability of gyms or outdoor locations to walk or sit and think away from the bustle of the office, healthy food alternatives, and the encouragement of alternative transportation, such as riding a bike to work, all have been shown to reduce stress and illness that contributes to increased absenteeism and healthcare costs.
References & Resources
- Employees are Happier, Healthier and More Productive in LEED Green Buildings
- How Much of an Impact Do Green Building Designs Really Have on the Environment?
- Effects of Green Buildings on Employee Health and Productivity
- Green Buildings Could Save Our Cities
- 5 ways green buildings are good for your health
Takeaway
From a corporate or educational administrative position, certified green buildings make financial sense.
However, the introduction of live plants, shared workspaces, gyms, and the allowance of bicycle storage will create new challenges for the custodial staff, tasked with maintaining the health and safety of all building occupants, and the services of an experienced janitorial provider are highly recommended.
If you would like more information regarding the health, safety, and performance improvements for the occupants of LEED-certified green buildings, or desire assistance with implementing and managing your organizations LEED requirements--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
