Green office spaces increase productivity and save money

The drive for green office space has become less of a niche endeavor and more a question of corporate social responsibility in recent year.

An ever-increasing number of business owners are incorporating a green initiative into their management scheme, as needless wastage is cut back. As we continue to learn more about the surprisingly long life-cycle of products we use, the importance of recycling is greater than ever.

Energy expenditure is, in the modern business world, an unavoidable certainty. While our knowledge of how finite fossil fuels are is nothing new, our understanding of the impact utilisation makes is deepening over time. The evidence contributing to this understanding is less than positive.

While one man cannot make a difference alone, one in charge of a business can. There are a number of changes individuals can make on a small scale:

• Encourage cycling to work, or carpooling
• Switch off all non-essential electrical products
• Prioritise paper use. Do you need to print this document? If not, don't.
• Recycle anything and everything you can. It's easier than you think.

Buildings themselves can be adapted to meet environmental standards. Going 'green' is an attractive prospect to many, but occasionally seems out of the financial reach of many businesses. This needn't be the case, as a number of tactics can be encorporated that will benefit a business in the long term.

A 2013 NRC study revealed that green office spaces increase productivity in the workplace. Employees took fewer sick says, and reported improved general happiness. This was attributed to better temperature regulation and indoor air quality, and fewer disturbances from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).

Furthermore, there are the savings to consider. Needless energy expenditure is, unsurprisingly, an expensive endeavor. Some tactics implemented by owners and managers to reduce their carbon footprint and save money include:

• Moving to a green office space, or retrofitting an existing workplace to get a green standard.
• Paying attention to how lights are used. Reorganising spaces to make the most of natural light, and ensure all non-essential lighting is switched off.
• Improving HVAC, adding more efficient boilers, variable speed pumps, and external shading. You'd be surprised how much this one can save you.
• Updating plumping. This one pays for itself.
• Improved insulation. Better retention of heat leads to an increase in energy efficiency, and a reduction in expenditure.

You can find out more about LEED green certifications and how they can have a positive effect on your business here.