World Green Building Council releases new report on healthy green buildings
Design of an office affects the health of its occupants
The World Green Building Council released a new report showing a direct correlation between the healthy green building principles of an office space and the overall wellbeing of employees.
The report, Health, Wellbeing and Productivity in Offices: The Next Chapter for Green Building, reviews common green building features; including, air quality, lighting, biophilia and interior layout.
World Green Building Council CEO, Jane Henley, explains, “few businesses understand the relationship between their two biggest expenses – their people and their buildings. And yet, we now have overwhelming evidence that the design of an office affects the health, wellbeing and productivity of its occupants.”
Sponsored by USGBC Platinum members JLL, Lend Lease and Skanska, the report also supplies a toolkit that businesses can use to measure the health, wellbeing and productivity of their own buildings in order to make better-informed financial decision-making.
The inherent economic savings that incur as a result of these initiatives are also noteworthy. For example, in a literal translation, the more natural light within a building, the less costs extrapolated on energy to artificially light and heat a building. But this report goes a step further and examines the ways in which a healthier, happier staff cuts down on overall turnover, absenteeism, medical costs and even complaint mediation. Overall, more efficient and productive work-space is reflected in the quality and content of the work that is produced.
The report was launched in London, Sept. 24, as part of World Green Building Week. The report can be downloaded from the WorldGBC’s website.
About the Author
Julia Pergolini is a Digital Marketing Strategist and Communications Specialist at U.S. Green Building Council.
