Engineering Inc. - January/February 2008 - (Page 7) Productivity increases Reports show the return on investment in a green building, when done right, is nothing short of remarkable. USGBC studies have shown, for example, that students achieve higher test scores in greener buildings; patients heal faster (leading to shorter stays) in green hospitals; and workers in office and industrial buildings designed for sustainability are more productive. At green office buildings, the payback of increased productivity is a potential goldmine. Consider a building where 1,000 people are employed for roughly 2,000 hours each per year (8 hours/day x 240 work days) or 2,000,000 hours. If a greener workplace makes these people just 1 percent more productive, that equates to 20,000 additional hours of productive work per year…without creating a single new position. There is no disputing the fact that green elements often raise public support for major construction projects. A firm’s willingness to go green also can impact customer contract decisions. Case in point: A specialty contractor, who requested anonymity for this column, was recently courting a large customer for a sizeable contract where several green elements were required. The contractor took client representatives on a tour of his company’s prefabrication operation where recycling is a common practice. Customer reps reportedly observed this trend and noted it with approval. The contractor’s company is large and qualified, but there are others out there like it. The difference? As with many clients these days, the customer was looking for green…he found it…and the contractor got the work. Joe Salimando writes frequently on the construction industry at www.eleblog.com. He can be reached at ecdotcom@gmail.com. 2007-2008 Design & Construction Trends Survey Statistical Look at America’s Design and Construction Industry and Its Future Conducted annually by the American Council of Engineering Companies, the Industry Trends Survey produces an unparalleled collection of data for compilation into this unique reference work on the business state of the industry. The Survey includes chapters titled Employment and Training, Business Performance, Industry Capacity, A/E/C Markets, Current Business Condition Assessment, Firms’ Practices and Processes, Practice Trends and Business Outlook. Now through February 29, 2008 save 30% on the 2007-2008 Industry Trends Survey and pay only $209 for the printed copy or $139 for the download. Shop the ACEC Bookstore for great books on the business of engineering and unique gift ideas. To purchase the 2007-2008 Industry Trends Survey go to www.acec.org/publications For more information please contact Jackie Pysarchuk at jpysarchuk@acec.org or 202-347-7474 The Only Inside BOOKSTORE Your best read on the business of engineering JaNuary / February 2008 eNGINeerING INc. 7 http://www.acec.org/publications http://www.acec.org/publications http://www.eleblog.com
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