When companies crunch the numbers on workspaces, dollars per square foot and operational costs are top of mind. But that often leaves critical pieces out of the equation, particularly when it comes to sustainability. As a broker, you know there’s a bigger story to be told.
People, planet, profit: this well-known “triple bottom line” is an accounting framework that measures corporate success on social, ecological and economic terms. The triple bottom line is an essential acknowledgement that the value proposition of sustainability is multi-faceted.
When communicating with clients about the value of sustainability, broaden the conversation to include these four critical points.
1. A LEED and Energy Star-certified workplace is a modern business imperative.
By today’s corporate responsibility standards, employees and consumers alike view a sustainably-certified office as a fundamental requirement. Failing to prioritize LEED and Energy Star certification during the workplace selection process can hurt a company’s employer brand.
2. Air quality matters for employee performance.
Numerous studies document the importance of good ventilation and indoor air quality for reducing sick building syndrome symptoms, absenteeism rates, and even infectious disease transmission. The benefits don’t end there. Indoor air quality can impact an employee’s ability to process information, make strategic decisions, and respond to crises– the exact skills needed to be productive in today’s knowledge economy.
3. Biophilic design supports employee wellness.
Sustainability must focus not only on a building’s environmental impact, but on its human impact. When designing our workplace communities, we use biophilic design principles, including greenery, water features, daylighting and natural building materials to support wellness. Modulating light exposure, for example, helps employees stay alert, focused and productive– the same benefits associated with improved indoor air quality.
4. Consistent, authentic expressions of corporate values help attract and retain talent.
In today’s tight talent market, a strong employer brand gives companies a competitive edge in recruiting and retaining top performers– and sustainability is vital to building this brand. In fact, more than 8 out of 10 employees say sustainability initiatives would increase their overall satisfaction with their employer, according to proprietary Irvine Company research. But there’s a catch– sustainability only supports recruitment and retention efforts when employees feel a company’s commitment to this value is genuine. Just like with LEED certification, selecting a sustainably designed workplace sends a powerful message to current and prospective employees.
To learn more about how and why, read our latest report:
