green building
How green buildings can boost workplace productivity Emma Lloyd, Communications Officer, Good Environmental Choice Australia There’s an ever-growing awareness of the need for sustainability in the places that we live and work. Local government premises should be leading the way as role models for their communities by showcasing solutions that have positive impacts on the environment.
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hankfully, a large number of the buildings that are going up today are a vast improvement on what was being built just a few years ago. Green workplaces and buildings are proliferating across our cities, and the need to be seen as ‘eco-friendly’ is now a major focus for many organisations. As it turns out, the benefits of ‘green’ workplaces don’t just tick boxes for the environment; they also have plenty of benefits for their occupants. When it comes to the furnishings and products used in a workspace, purchasing decisions can have a direct impact on the health, wellbeing and productivity of employees. The key is to improve the indoor air quality. There’s often a focus on looks and functionality when furnishing and designing a workspace, but less thought is given to making sure that the work environment is as safe and healthy as it can be. Decisions about the paint on the walls, the choice of flooring materials and furniture, and even the cleaning
110 • THE AUSTRALIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT YEARBOOK EDITION 21