Based on the latest World Green Building Council’s report, there has been significant evidence on the effect that building design features have on the health, wellbeing and productivity of office occupants.
Sponsored by JLL, Lend Lease and Skanska, the research is the first global study to consider the impact that features such as interior layout, air quality, daylight levels and views of nature have on office staff. It is anticipated that if a better understanding is made on the link between workers and their workplace, it will assist to drive forward the business case for higher-quality, healthier and greener buildings.
Absenteeism, staff turnover, medical complaints and revenue can be related back to the physical features of buildings and compose a toolkit with which businesses will be able to measure the health, wellbeing and productivity of their staff.
What drives a green building – conducive to healthy, productive occupiers is good design (passive solutions, shading, natural ventilation), good construction (new technologies, innovation, smart control), good behavior (appropriate clothing, adaptability and engagement with systems), as well as good location (enabling low carbon commuting and easy access to services and amenities).
Overall, the study emphasizes that there is often a “virtuous circle” of good design that works both for people and planet. Moreover it holds the view that a building’s impact on its occupants must be included within financial considerations.
Read the full report here