A recent report by Harvard University suggests that workers in green-certified buildings which have achieved a high-performing rating under schemes such as BREEAM, LEED or SKA benefit from higher cognitive function, less sick leave and higher sleep quality.
The report, which was unveiled at the US Green Building council’s Greenbuild conference, found that workforces in green-certified buildings scored 26% higher in cognitive function tests that those in buildings which were not green-certified.
The study also discovered that those working in green-certified buildings reported 30% fewer symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and enjoyed 6% higher sleep quality scores compared to workers in buildings which were not green-certified.
Sick Building Syndrome is a catch-all term which describes a range of symptoms, such as fatigue and poor concentration, thought to be linked to spending time in a certain building. These symptoms are often ascribed to workplaces where no specific cause for the symptoms can be established.
The study also found that workers in green-certified buildings were more productive and paid more attention to their tasks than their peers in buildings which are not certified under schemes such as BREEAM, LEED or SKA.
John Alker, the campaign and policy director at the UKGBC, said the report is “A wake-up call for anyone involved in the procurement or provision of buildings, whether for living, learning, or working.” And that the report “supports the business case for pursuing a green building”, which is ultimately “better for the bottom line.”
To find out more about the business benefits of a greener workplace, or to discover how your workplace could improve not only it’s green credentials, but also the overall well-being and productivity of your workforce through a sustainability assessment such as BREEAM, LEED or SKA; why not speak with our sustainability team today?
