New Harvard study finds workers in green-certified buildings score better in a range of metrics including cognitive function tests
Not only are greener buildings better for the environment - they could also be better for workers' health and performance, according to a new study from Harvard and SUNY Upstate Medical University researchers.
The team studied over 100 workers in 10 buildings across the US, and found those who worked in high-performing green-certified buildings had a range of improved health metrics, including a third fewer 'sick building symptoms' such as headaches, nausea and fatigue, and higher scores on sleep quality than those working in high-performing buildings that were not green certified.
The research also found employees in green-certified buildings tended to score far higher on a range of workplace metrics that benefit their employers than those who worked in conventional buildings.
Green building workers were found to score 26 per cent higher in cognitive function tests, as well as gathering far higher applied and focused activity scores, which reflect the ability to gear decision-making towards overall goals and to maintain attention on tasks. Crisis-response scores were also a massive 73 per cent higher for those working in green-certified buildings, while strategy scores were improved by just under a third.
"Certified green buildings not only deliver environmental benefits, they can have positive impacts on the productivity and thinking of the people in those buildings," said John Mandyck, chief sustainability officer of United Technologies, which provided funding for the study. "That's a powerful combination that can accelerate the green building movement globally."
The research team said their findings have led them to believe a "holistic" approach towards building environments is needed. "We're advocating for what we call Buildingomics - a new approach that examines the totality of factors in the building-related environment," said Dr Joseph Allen, assistant professor at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and principal investigator for the study. "Through Buildingomics' multi-disciplinary approach, we aim to better understand the factors that influence health in buildings and unlock the ability to optimise buildings for improved cognitive function and health."
The research follows the launch last month of the "Good Life Project" initiative in the UK, which aims to investigate whether interventions to make the workplace more natural could result in less absenteeism and more productive workers. The project team, which is led by behaviour expert and author Jez Rose, are now looking for businesses that would like to be involved in the research.
Further reading
from Home - Business Green http://ift.tt/2dxpyCZ
Advertisement
Sourced by "Home Hacks". Scouring and supporting the art of DIY home projects by sharing links and information provided by numerous active reputable DIY veterans and company's. Any projects you start please be of proper age, follow all required safety measures, and use the required protective equipment when handling any chemicals, power tools, or during any construction project. If you need advice regarding your next project we suggest visiting Contractor Talk.
