According to the 2014 American Time Use Survey conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor, the average work day for employed persons, ages 25 to 54 who live in households with children under 18, is 8.9 hours. So, for many in the workforce, that translates to spending roughly one-third of each workday at the office.

With so much time spent at work, an increasing number of employers are finding new ways to provide their employees with a space they look forward to coming to each day. Creating an environment where employees are inspired to do their best work and “greening” the office are now considered common goals.

Let’s look at some of the ways you can green your office, along with the corresponding benefits:

• LEED certification…LEED is the international standard of excellence in green building.  LEED buildings offer a range of green technology – like motion sensors and automatic multi-zone thermostats – lowering both your energy costs and impact on the environment.

• Renewable energy…Our Green-e^® Energy certified wind power products are an affordable way for large commercial, industrial and government organizations to implement sustainable business practices. You'll increase your competitive advantage and enhance your brand while sending a powerful message to your customers, employees and stakeholders.

• Shared, open spaces…Employees with laptops are free to work anywhere, from home or in the office. Shared office spaces reduce the need for physical real estate and open spaces allow for closer collaboration and increased productivity among your employees.

• Alternative transportation…Biking and accessibility to public transportation (e.g., Metrorail, bus routes, walking paths) are two ways to lessen the environmental impact and cost of your employees’ daily commutes.

• Energy-efficient lighting…Newer, energy-efficient lighting technologies (e.g., LED, high-bay fluorescent) reduce energy consumption and result in lower energy and maintenance costs, while providing your employees with the highest quality lighting.

• Outdoor meeting and recreation areas…Wi-Fi equipped outdoor areas like rooftop terraces offer access to sunshine, fresh air and spectacular views. Rooftop decks also make for impressive venues, especially during early morning and evening customer events.

Schedule an appointment with your account manager to learn more about ways to green your office and the benefits your company can realize by going green. Or, visit our website at www.wglenergy.com.

Sources:
₁ (2016, August 20). Six Amenities to Look for in Office Space. Retrieved September 09, 2016, from http://www.reoptimizer.com/real-estate-optimization-blog/six-amenities-to-look-for-in-office-space

₂ (2016, March/April). Benefits of Green Building | U.S. Green Building Council. Retrieved September 09, 2016, from http://www.usgbc.org/articles/green-building-facts

₃ Veley, L. (2016, June 22). How a green office can boost employee productivity. Retrieved September 09, 2016, from https://www.officerenew.com/articles/green-offices-boost-employee-productivity