Measuring the Occupant Benefits of Green Buildings

Abstract

Widespread reports have surprisingly indicated that “green” buildings may be as beneficial to their occupants as to the environment. These are purported ancillary benefits like improved health, morale and well being, and even enhanced human performance and productivity. This paper presents the results of a two year quasi-experimental field study in a new ‘green building’ that measured occupant responses, proposed an explanatory rationale, and developed a protocol for assessing overall green building benefits.