A Better Incentive for Green Buildings?

A new series of case studies is providing evidence that efforts to make buildings more energy efficient may also enhance the built environment in ways that are economically much more significant than the energy savings. While scientifically valid data about occupant well-being and performance is extremely hard to come by, anecdotal evidence continues to mount for the argument that certain ambient conditions can significantly affect productivity. Perhaps more importantly, the researchers have put to rest a myth about productivity enhancements that has, for decades, impeded recognition of the significance of the built environment on worker productivity.