LEDs and futurist technologies promote healthier people and sustainable firms. But they must feature within holistic office design, finds a new paper.

The World Green Building Council's (WGBC) new report on Health, Wellbeing and Productivity in Green Offices shines a spotlight on best sustainable practice.

It recommends LED lighting for artificial lighting needs, but, crucially, pinpoints how top solutions feature LEDs alongside natural light wells, daylighting and natural ventilation.

Offices of tomorrow; the sustainability story

Greenlite has a personal interest in futurist offices; our new office base features the very latest technologies and thinking.

“The most healthy and sustainable offices feature lighting in a pivotal way,” comments Bob Hall, Managing Director, Greenlite.

“Our office move has shown us the tangible benefits LEDs and lighting controls provide. Combine these with other sustainable tech, within an office that works to provide human comforts, and you'll find more productive employees and a truly thriving business.”

The metrics are remarkable. WGBC data says that improved daylighting and air quality reduce absenteeism, in some cases helping contribute to 3.5 times fewer sick days taken.

And, daylighting and natural ventilation also improve thermal comfort and reduce energy use by 20% compared to normal buildings.

“There are so many numbers out there that prove the real advantages of daylighting and LED lighting for offices” says Hall.

“Open-plan spaces featuring plants, wood, bark, and natural colours and materials feature in the report. At Greenlite, we feel these are not only complementary to LED lighting and controls, but nigh on essential.”

Why lighting can't stand alone

“The report shows that a low carbon and resource efficient building is not always automatically healthier for occupants,” reveals Hall.

“It says that a green building can enhance the health and wellbeing of its occupants, but only when there is careful consideration into both the environmental and health and wellbeing attributes of a building, such as fresh air supply.

“I'm delighted by this news. As a forward thinking company we are about holistic benefit. Yes, you can and should put in LEDs; we sell them and we know their advantages in terms of energy saving and more relaxing light.

“But when you can, go the extra mile. Install daylighting, ventilation, plants and easy to use office controls. The benefits are so visible, and the extra motivation they give to staff is incalculable.”

Proven benefit

Though Hall doesn't put a definitive number on what a truly green office can mean, WGBC says staff performance drops by 6% in under or over-heated offices.

Contrastingly, processing times lift by 12% when office staff have a view. Workers near a window, amazingly, average 46 minutes more sleep at night.

It all shows why a green office can't just stop at LEDs. The journey can begin there; after all, to do work, we have to see clearly. But a genuinely green office should embrace myriad sustainable measures, to deliver a truly outstanding, energy saving and productive workplace.

“We urge companies to read the WGBC paper,” says Hall. “And when you have, Greenlite are on hand to advise on your green lighting needs. Or visit our offices and see the WGBC principles in living practice.”

Looking for LED lighting for offices? Contact us for advice on the best solution for your commercial space.