A new report from the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) finds “overwhelming evidence” to support office design as a significant influencer of the health, wellbeing and productivity of staff.
Health, Wellbeing and Productivity in Offices: The Next Chapter for Green Building says that a range of factors including air quality and lighting, views of nature, and interior layout can impact the health, satisfaction and job performance of office workers. The report provides a simple toolkit that businesses can use to measure the health, wellbeing and productivity of their buildings.
With salaries and benefits typically responsible for 90% of an organization’s expenditures, any higher construction or occupation costs are far outweighed by even small improvements in staff performance, the report concludes.
“Most businesses are already sitting on a treasure trove of information that can have an immediate impact on their two biggest expenses – people and buildings,” says Jane Henley, World GBC CEO. “Understanding the relationship between the two can help businesses achieve significant competitive advantage.”
Related Stories
| Sep 23, 2011
Okanagan College sets sights on Living Buildings Challenge
The Living Building Challenge requires projects to meet a stringent list of qualifications, including net-zero energy and water consumption, and address critical environmental, social and economic factors.
| Sep 19, 2011
Portland team hired as LEED and commissioning consultants for $5.5B downtown sustainable project in Qatar
The $5.5 billion sustainable downtown regeneration project underway by Msheireb Properties will transform a 76 acres site at the centre of Doha, Qatar’s capital city, recreating a way of living that is rooted in Qatari culture, attracting residents back to the city center and reversing the trend for decentralization.
| Sep 14, 2011
Empire State Building achieves LEED Gold ?
The 2.85 million-sf building is celebrating its 80th anniversary while nearing completion of its renewal and repurposing to meet the needs of 21st Century businesses.
| Sep 12, 2011
Construction waste management
Best practices for an environmentally optimized job site.
| Sep 12, 2011
PVs play new roles as a teaching tool
Solar installations are helping K-12 schools around the country save money and teach students the intricacies of renewable energy sources.
| Sep 12, 2011
Living Buildings: Are AEC Firms up to the Challenge?
Modular Architecture > You’ve done a LEED Gold or two, maybe even a LEED Platinum. But are you and your firm ready to take on the Living Building Challenge? Think twice before you say yes.
| Sep 12, 2011
Putting a stamp on USPS's first green roof
The Morgan Building roof totals 150,000-sf. In addition to a vegetated green roof, other roof areas were upgraded and included 55,000-sf of reflective concrete pavers and ballast, which were also placed over a Sarnafil waterproofing membrane, and 40,000-sf of EnergySmart Roof—a reflective, energy-efficient vinyl roofing system from Sika Sarnafil.
