As discussed in class sustainability is a broad concept with
many adaptations and concepts that are contain within it. Efficiency seems to
be a subset of the general concept of sustainability. Under efficiency are
included price, speed and longevity. These are always things we are concerned
about when it comes to technology and materials but we could also consider
these things with respect to people. We as individuals that contribute to our
communities need to be efficient. This would greatly help in that the quicker
we get things done for lower cost to produce things that last we can make a big
reduction in wasted time, effort, and poor quality.
The work place or the office is a place where we can
identify a number of ways to increase efficiency in workers in way that
contributes to sustainability. Of course the question is always “Is sustainability
really worth it economically?” The answer is an emphatic “Yes!” There are
Financial, Environmental, Human Resource, and Brand benefits associated to
working sustainably. Financially, producing more product with less materials
saves money. A reduction in energy and water always adds to the income of
company. There are even grants available for sustainable companies. Human Resource wise there are better working
conditions, increased productivity, improved worker retention and improved
loyalty. Any business owner knows that these are some really important aspects.
In the pie chart below salaries account for about 84% of what companies pay.
Just a 1% increase in personnel productivity and a company can offset all of
its energy costs! 
Concerning Brands, there is an improved social
responsibility and more marketability. Environmentally, through increased
efficiency and sustainable practices we can reduce our carbon footprint, be
more efficient with paper use, conserve water, and reduce emissions.
Here are some of
those ways:
• Focus
on worker as unit of productivity
– Daylighting-
high ceilings/ clerestory window; skylight; glass façade north and west
– Quantity
of space
• Large
square plans that maximize space and emphasize worker location
• Aesthetically
pleasing design – instills sense of pride and worth
• Water
Use Reduction
