WGBC attempts to see if green offices make us more productive

The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) has launched a major global project to help define the health and productivity benefits of green office buildings. Studies have shown that even modest improvements can have drastic effects on staff, with 11% gains in productivity seen through ventilation improvement and over 23% just from a change in lighting.

The project is expected to create a ‘toolkit’ for office owners and occupiers to use. Sick days, employee turnover and staff surveys are all likely to be investigated as potential ways of standardising the measurement of health and productivity of staff in their workplace.

Jane Henley, CEO of WorldGBC, said: “While there is a growing body of research that firmly supports the connections between sustainable buildings and improved health, productivity and learning outcomes of those who occupy them, this evidence is yet to inform investment decisions in the same way as traditional financial metrics. This project aims to identify the metrics that will support investment in greener buildings.”

With the support of Green Building Councils and their members from around the world, and a steering group of experts in this field (see notes to editors), the final report is expected in Autumn 2014.

Click here to read WorldGBC’s report The Business Case for Green Building.

Like this content? Then follow us on Twitter or register for a FREE ticket for the Eco Technology Show on the 26th – 27th June, The Brighton Centre by clicking here.