LEEDS for New Construction

In the insistent drive to remain competitive in today's economy, Business Executives always try to search for new opportunities in order to keep themselves competitive to increase their profit margins for future success. In particular, some realize that deductions can be carried out on the operating costs because of the changes in the old buildings and converting them into new green buildings. The recent growth in green buildings has led to the establishment of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, which awards buildings based on their high performance and the benefits it provides to the people. Although the business community has long known the vast energy savings that can be achieved through LEED buildings, an overlooked aspect is the potential to increase employee productivity. (Lucuik, pp.11-20)

The materials used in the construction of green buildings are non-toxic. This not only means they do less damage to the environment but that they emit fewer toxins to building inhabitants. For instance, people find a "new car smell" in new automobiles, new floorings, recently purchased appliances, and other things that are added to the homes of the people. This smell can last from a few weeks up to a few months. Throughout all this time, people breathe in toxins that contribute to symptoms of headaches, nausea, and other sicknesses. The materials used in green buildings do not emit toxins and therefore do not contaminate the air inhabitants breathe. Improved air circulation as a result of better spatial design and enhanced ventilation further purify indoor air. This creates healthy air quality for all occupants, resulting in happier and more productive workers. (Andrew, pp.87-92)

Furthermore, green buildings encourage sustainable lighting plans which maximize the use of natural light to illuminate the inside. Successful lighting plans provide ideal lighting to workers and increase their exposure to the outside environment. Workers that have visual access to the outside environment and natural light from the sun are often in a better mood while at work which encourages higher productivity. Air quality and lighting are just two of the many features of green buildings that improve worker productivity. Numerous reports have highlighted the enormous amount of money businesses save by improving the buildings that their workers occupy and since employees' salaries equate to roughly 90% of money flow through a building, this should be a big concern for companies that want to maximize their use of human capital. The "Green Building Impact Report 2008," released by Greener World Media, cited numerous studies that revealed productivity increases as high as 25%. This means that businesses that employ workers in green buildings already have a higher return on investment than businesses which do not. Therefore, businesses should also be aware of gains in worker productivity in addition to the direct savings in operating costs and energy efficiency. (Miller, pp.34-40)

The green building sector is a growing part of the economy that will continue to grow for years to come. Since the inception of the LEED rating system ...