The Relationship of Green Office Buildings to Occupant Productivity and Organisational Performance

Green building advocates have stated that improved productivity is linked to green buildings, specifically due to enhanced indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Previous research indicated mixed results in this regard, and therefore conjecture still exists. The purpose of the research was to examine both individual productivity and organisational performance of occupants and businesses, respectively, located in green certified office buildings in South Africa. The research focused on financial services companies (FSCs), where each FSC offered a low, moderate and high risk investment product. Quantitative research was conducted on ten FSCs located in nineteen green certified and ten FSCs located thirteen conventional (non-green) office buildings, to assess organisational performance. Qualitative research was conducted in the form of semi-structured interviews across two FSCs comprising fifteen knowledge workers, to assess individual productivity. The research was conducted within the context of a theoretical framework that focused on the implementation of green building features and initiatives (GBFIs) that focus on IEQ. There was a statistically significant positive relationship (high risk products) when comparing annualised returns to IEQ (Pearson’s Correlation). Interview respondents indicated that location and amenities contributed to organisational culture, collaboration spaces, employee attraction and retention, and safety. These attributes were contributed in some degree to individual productivity. The results continue to indicate that the relationship between enhanced IEQ and individual productivity and organisational performance are not absolute, as there may be external contributing factors.