Monday, May 14, 2012

The Green Office

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Expert Author Eric Monson
As sustainability issues gain increasing importance, commercial developers and facilities management companies have a unique opportunity to make significant improvements in sustainable building design by incorporating eco-efficiency principles into their strategies.
Exploring sustainable design scenarios, green technologies and sustainable management features for green office buildings - carbon, energy, waste and water management systems, will not only ensure greater efficiency but will also improve occupier well-being.
Core design components could include green roofs, on-site renewable energy generation (solar PV, micro-turbine co-generation), materials that keep the building's interior climate more controlled such as triple-glazed windows, and building management systems and technologies that provide detailed views of operational metrics.
Some key considerations that may shape the green office of the future include;
  • Increased collaboration between stakeholders - developers consulting closely with leasing agents and potential occupiers in order to create a more holistic view of green building design priorities

  • Strategies that encourage more use of passive lighting and ventilation - increased use of glass with reflective or glazed coatings and other building components that maximize the amount of natural light than can penetrate a building

  • Geographic site selection that embraces sustainable lifestyle principles - reducing the commuter energy "intensity" of building occupants by ensuring reasonable proximity to public transportation systems

  • An emphasis on construction materials with a low environmental impact - efficiency and environmental footprint considerations need to become an essential part of the green procurement process, increasing usage of recycled materials in the building design and minimising waste during the construction phase

  • On-site energy generation and water reduction options - developers can help businesses reduce their dependence on grid utilities

  • Greater reliance on digital building information models - software that helps provide a view of physical or functional aspects of a building before it is constructed and for examining the impact of different design scenarios

  • Integral building management systemsto provide a detailed level of building performance analysis, including, automated systems which optimize building performance

  • Remote management services and technologies which provide external information about weather conditions, utility prices, etc....
If the green building design argument is not convincing enough in itself, there are an increasing number of studies which show that employees who work in buildings that are eco-efficient are also more productive.
Perhaps this has as much to do with increased environmental awareness as it has to do with the building design. It does suggest however, that more companies will seek to incorporate sustainability considerations into their office building design, if for no other reason than to increase productivity.
EMC Business Solutions aims to assist businesses in the development of environmental management systems, providing a platform for sustainable development and business growth.
Find out more at http://www.emcbs.co.uk
You can also visit our blog at http://emcbs.co.uk/blog/tag/environmental-management

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