Better Places for People: Reports and Publications

Employers, building owners, designers, developers, and investors throughout the world are learning, in response to an increasing body of evidence, that office design affects the health and wellbeing of occupants in many ways and so it is a smart business move to create green buildings that are healthy. Staff are the most valuable resource in most organisations, typically accounting for 90% of business operating costs, so even a 1% improvement in productivity can have a major impact on the bottom line and competitiveness of any business. Building developers, owners, and investors are also discovering the business value of delivering to their markets healthy, green buildings. In a survey of 200 Canadian building owners, for example, 38% of those who reported increased value said healthy buildings were worth at least 7% more than normal ones, 46% said they were easier to lease, and 28% said they commanded premium rents.