Not only green buildings are environmentally sustainable, a recent study has proven that they have social and economical benefits as well. Therefore, green building advocates should also focus on improving well-being of occupants that could also lead to economical sustainability, other than lessening emissions and increasing energy efficiency in the built environment.
John Mandyck, chief sustainability officer in United Technologies Corporation stated that human resources cost a lot more than energy bills in a building’s operating costs. Therefore, it doesn't make sense to try to think of the payback time for sustainable fixtures when they don't cost as much.
The Impact of Green Buildings on Cognitive Function study hosted 24 participants in laboratory conditions to stimulate indoor environment in sustainable structures with enhanced ventilation, green buildings and conventional buildings. The results were that compared to participants in conventional environment, those in green environment scored 61% higher and those in enhanced ventilation scored 101% higher.
In addition, researchers found that USD14-42 spent on a person per year on improving indoor health air could improve employee's productivity by USD6,500 annually. The findings will not only accelerate green building movement but also a better economic sustainability for investing in clean technologies.
Resources
http://www.eco-business.com/news/the-hidden-health-benefits-of-green-buildings/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=April%206%20newsletter&utm_content=April%206%20newsletter+Version+A+CID_90865690d186e4d024e54ce533fe04b7&utm_source=Campaign%20Monitor&utm_term=The%20hidden%20health%20benefits%20of%20green%20buildings
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