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Office Space Turns Green

Going green at work not only saves on energy bills, it boosts employee productivity – and that’s got a growing number of business owners looking at ways to make their workspaces more environmentally healthy.

There are currently 113 green offices in the United States and 385 green buildings, with thousands more under development, according to the U.S. Green Building Council in Washington, D.C.

More exposure to natural light, better ventilation, and personal temperature control, and less exposure to toxic chemicals – all make workers happier, healthier, and more productive. One recent study found employees were 7% more productive when working in green workplaces that let them breathe a little easier and brought a little more sunshine into their day.

Lockheed Martin Corp. found giving workers increased exposure to natural light reduced absenteeism by 15%. Other studies show improved ventilation reduced respiratory illnesses in workers from 9-20%.

The U.S. Green Building Council offers companies Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications at four levels, awarding points for efforts as over-the-top as rooftop windmills to as simple as providing recycling bins for used office paper and soda cans.

While going green can cost a bit more up front, it ultimately saves companies money – both in long-term construction and maintenance costs and in increased worker productivity, the Council reports. For more information, go to www.usgbc.org or read this article. or http://www.nrdc.org/cities/building/dcofc/dcofcinx.asp.

To read more about this and other environmental health issues, go to www.environmentalhealthnews.org, www.ourstolenfuture.org or www.healthandenvironment.org.