CHICAGO-While energy costs are still one of the main reasons why corporate real estate executives pursue sustainability, an increasing number of them say employee health and productivity is the main reason they choose green buildings.

These insights were gained though the fourth annual Sustainability Survey. Conducted by CoreNet Global and Jones Lang LaSalle since 2007, the survey includes responses from executives around the world.

The most recent survey found that executives are more in tune with the less-tangible workforce benefits of sustainability. For example, 32% of respondents ranked energy cost as their most important sustainability metric, down from 37% who ranked it number one in 2009.

At the same time, employee health and productivity was ranked as the most important measure of success by 31% in 2010, up from 29% in 2009. An additional 11% ranked employee satisfaction as the most important criteria.

“Energy costs have been at the top of everyone’s list, but employee health and productivity is increasing in importance,” says Dan Probst, chairman of energy and sustainability services at Jones Lang LaSalle.

Probst contends that the Sustainability Survey results reflect an evolution in the industry. "Five years ago, a corporate real estate executive might have thought sustainability was a costly way to make the company look good to employees,” he says. “Two years ago, that same executive probably focused on energy management as a way to save money in the short run. Today, he or she may be pursuing green strategies that enhance employee productivity."

Probst tells GlobeSt.com the attitude shift is driven in part by the realization that high performance buildings and high performance space can contribute to a high performance workforce. “The idea that green buildings are linked to employee productivity gains and more collaborative work environments is starting to sink in,” he says.

Instant Insights /

Execs Rank Productivity as Key Sustainability Driver

Related Stories

Recommended For You