Energy-Efficient Workplaces
Energy-efficient workplace design may be one of the most cost effective ways for businesses to improve productivity and quality.
Energy-efficient building and office design can significantly increase worker productivity as well as save energy. Efficient lighting, heating, and cooling make the workplace more comfortable . The benefit is increased worker productivity and less absenteeism. Often companies see an improvement in quality as well. Errors and manufacturing defects are less likely with efficient lighting.
Companies that have seen the light and are providing more energy-efficient, productive work environments include Boeing, with its “Green Lights” effort. The company reduced its lighting electricity use by 90 percent and reduced defects.
Pennsylvania Power & Light’s upgrade of the lighting system in a drafting facility produced energy savings of 69 percent and a 13-percent increase in productivity. The company also noticed a 25-percent decrease in absenteeism.
Efficient, natural lighting also makes shopping more pleasant. Wal-Mart’s new prototype, Eco-Mart, installed skylights to enhance daylighting in one-half of the store, which led to “significantly higher” sales than in the other half.
Companies that have implemented energy-efficient design have seen a
payback in energy savings within one to two years with the added benefits
of higher productivity and quality in the workplace.