Sources: U.S. Green Building Council, Washington, D.C.; CP staff
Employees who work in (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) LEED-certified green buildings are happier, healthier and more productive than employees in conventional and non-LEED buildings, according to a U.S. Green Building Council-commissioned survey of 1,000 full- or part-time workers, plus others self-employed but based in an office building setting.
“Employees know that green building programs like LEED help companies to develop responsible, sustainable and specific plans for green energy, water, waste, transportation and many other factors accountable for the human experience,” says USGBC CEO Mahesh Ramanujam. “In today’s highly competitive job market, if companies want to attract and retain highly-skilled, talented employees, they must demonstrate a commitment to environmental, human and economic sustainability.”
More than 80 percent of survey respondents noted that being productive on the job and having access to clean, high-quality indoor air contributes to their overall workplace happiness. In addition, 85 percent of employees in LEED-certified buildings also note how access to quality outdoor views and natural sunlight boosts their overall productivity and happiness.