In this article, you'll learn:
- The health and safety benefits of LEED-certified buildings for tenants.
- How LEED certification can boost employee productivity and job satisfaction.
- The positive impact of leasing a LEED-certified building on your business brand.
- The financial advantages of reduced utility consumption and potential tax benefits.
Choosing an office space for your company requires an extensive evaluation of several factors. One of the essential factors is LEED certification. Developed in 1993 by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. A LEED-certified building is properly ventilated and is built without any toxic chemicals. LEED buildings are now being built across America, and many corporate tenants are finding more “green” choices to consider when leasing new office space. This article explores the top five benefits that corporate tenants enjoy when they lease a LEED-certified building.
1. Healthier and Safer Environment for Tenants
A LEED building is properly ventilated to let outdoor air inside. As a result, corporate tenants are able to enjoy better indoor air quality. In addition, indoor moisture controls reduce allergens and prohibit the growth of molds. This translates a healthier and safer environment for your employees as well as your customers.
2. Improved Employee Productivity
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors. Hence, the buildings where people live and work have a considerable impact on human performance. Certain features of LEED certified buildings boost employee productivity. Features like better lighting designs, fitness rooms, and rooftop gardens are aimed at boosting innovation, productivity and job satisfaction.
In addition, a survey released from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) discovered that employees who work in LEED-certified green buildings are healthier, happier and more productive than employees in conventional and non-LEED buildings. For instance, 85 percent of the employees who took part in the survey feel their access to natural sunlight and quality outdoor views boost their overall happiness and productivity.
3. Enhanced Business Brand
When you lease a LEED-certified building, investors will take you seriously. This is because the issues of global warming have become a modern-day concern.
Today, investors, employees, clients, government and the media are increasingly interested in what a business is doing to and for the environment. When you choose to lease a LEED-certified building, it gives you a competitive advantage. In other words, it separates your brand from the rest. In a survey conducted by Nielsen Global, more than 50 percent of the respondents
4. Reduced Utility Consumption
A LEED-certified building is energy efficient. Notably, these buildings are designed to consume less water and electricity. Hence, reduced utility consumption will generally improve your company’s savings on operational costs and occupancy costs. Some green measures generate immediate savings due to low energy costs.
5.Enhanced Tax Benefits
In certain locations, LEED-certified buildings can qualify for tax rebates as well as zoning allowances. In other to encourage more green activities, local and state governments are now offering extra incentives to encourage LEED buildings that are located in special economic growth zones. This is because non-LEED buildings emit generate electricity by fossil fuels that release toxic pollutants worsen global warming and climate change.
If you want to show commitment to building an environment where businesses can survive, leasing office space in a LEED-certified building is a good thing to do.
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