Sustainability in the Work Place

     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

–      Lower Stress, higher morale

•       Large square plans that maximize space and emphasize worker location

•       Aesthetically pleasing design – instills sense of pride and worth

•       Water Use Reduction