New research has added fuel to the notion that working in a green-certified building improves productivity, job performance, and occupant well-being.
New studies, led by Harvard University and SUNY Upstate Medical University, found that workers in high-performing green buildings showed higher cognitive function scores, fewer sick-building symptoms, and higher sleep quality scores than workers in high-performing buildings lacking green certification. Thermal conditions and lighting influenced employee perception of their space and their cognitive function, one of the researchers says in a Society for Human Resource Management article.
A "high-performing building" was defined as meeting ASHRAE standards. A "green-certified" building was defined as meeting ASHRAE standards and obtaining LEED certification.
Another factor in constructing a healthy work environment could be low levels of VOCs [volatile organic compounds] and formaldehyde, which have adverse effects on indoor air quality. These compounds can become airborne by off-gassing from paints, sealants, adhesives, carpet, and furniture.
Healthy buildings can be a recruiting tool, the article also points out.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2020
Jobsite injuries in New York City decline 20% since 2017
Safety training cited as a cause of improvement.
Codes and Standards | Nov 4, 2020
Commercial building owners having tougher time securing insurance policies and renewals
Insurers’ fears of civil unrest in wake of election prompt builder’s risk coverage moratoriums.
Codes and Standards | Nov 4, 2020
Turn rooftops into revenue generators with solar arrays
Lease or ownership models for PVs make more sense than ever.
Codes and Standards | Nov 3, 2020
The argument against gas stoves includes degraded indoor air quality
Asthma seems to be aggravated by cooking with flame.
Codes and Standards | Nov 2, 2020
Wildfires can make drinking water toxic
Updated building codes could mitigate the danger.
Adaptive Reuse | Oct 26, 2020
Mall property redevelopments could result in dramatic property value drops
Retail conversions to fulfillment centers, apartments, schools, or medical offices could cut values 60% to 90%.
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2020
New seismic provisions for the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program released
The provisions present a set of recommended improvements to the ASCE/SEI 7-16 Standard.
Codes and Standards | Oct 22, 2020
More than 130 building projects have engaged LEED’s Safety First Credits in response to COVID-19
Best practices helping companies develop and measure healthy, sustainable, and resilient reopening efforts.
Codes and Standards | Oct 21, 2020
New technologies and techniques can ‘future-proof’ buildings
Net-zero principles may give buildings longer lives.
Codes and Standards | Oct 20, 2020
Updated AIA Contractor’s Qualification Statement and Warranty Bond documents available
Statement now includes safety protocols and plans, sustainability, and BIM experience.