Doing Right by Planet and People: The Business Case for Health and Wellbeing in Green Building

The World Green Building Council has released its latest report highlighting the economic benefits of green building and showcasing improved occupant satisfaction when companies implement new health, wellbeing and productivity features in their buildings.

Doing Right by Planet and People: The Business Case for Health and Wellbeing in Green Building examines 11 case studies from around the globe, and evaluates the impacts of health and wellbeing features such as enhanced fresh air ventilation, acoustic privacy, increase of daylight penetration and use of biophilic design elements such as green walls and extensive indoor plants. After adding health and wellbeing features into green-certified buildings, companies found that employee absenteeism was reduced; operating costs were minimised and employees felt more productive and healthier. In one study, Cundall’s UK office, absenteeism dropped by more than four days per person per year, a 58% reduction. Staff turnover reduced by 27%. Taken together, these two outcomes provided a £200,000 saving per year.