There are many benefits associated with climate sensible and
energy efficient buildings. These include:
- Lower energy costs. Climate sensible buildings
use less artificial heating, cooling and lighting appliances which
significantly reduces electricity, gas and water bills. This is
because they are designed to take advantage of natural energy
flows, such as heat, light and breezes, to maintain comfortable
conditions.
- Higher rental yields. Owners of climate
sensible 'green buildings' receive higher rents.
- Lower vacancy rates. Demand for leases in
'green buildings' is high because employers are aware of the health
and productivity benefits associated with placing employees in
climate sensible offices, shops and warehouses.
- More sales. Climate sensible buildings,
including warehouses, tend to attract and retain clients. Customer
visits are longer and this can lead to more purchases and return
visits. The clever use of natural light, comfortable temperature
and user friendly store layouts is a component of good climate
sensible design.
- Healthier Work Environment. Climate sensible
buildings are ideal for workers because they have been designed to
best complement and support the human body and mind. The careful
selection of non-toxic building materials coupled with the
considered placement of windows and skylights ensures natural
daylight is bounced around rooms which trigger the production of
serotonin, a brain chemical that controls mood in people. This
means workers who suffer from bouts of depression or who have
respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis, will feel
better in these environments. These buildings' ventilation systems
also enable workers' physical bodies to better adjust to changing
weather and seasonal patterns. Green buildings are less likely to
suffer from 'sick building syndrome' which is when artificial
heating and cooling systems transmit bacteria throughout
buildings.
- Improved worker morale and enhanced
productivity. People who work in climate sensible
buildings report more positive relationships with colleagues;
improved morale, greater productivity and less conflict.
- Less sick leave and staff turnover. Employees
and others who work in climate sensible buildings are likely to
stay in their jobs longer and are less sick. This is because the
buildings have been designed and built to take advantage of the
effective use of sunlight, air ventilation which reduces a
dependency on artificial heating and cooling making the environment
far more comfortable for a human body.
- Reduction in CO2 emissions. Climate
sensible buildings emit less CO2 due to a lowered demand
for electricity to power the buildings. Emissions are also
reduced during the construction phase where materials with less
embodied energy are used.
- Unique Designs. Climate sensible buildings are
aesthetically pleasing and provide a welcoming feel for
visitors. They are sensibly designed to take advantage of and
complement the seasons of the year which enables human bodies to
adjust to seasonal changes more gradually and naturally, thereby
minimising worker sickness and ill health.
Energy efficient buildings are designed and built to comply with
sustainability principles which entail the effective use of natural
light and minimal use of harmful and toxic materials.
Author: Andrew Ferguson