Interesting piece from CNET’s News.com about the how so-called green buildings are having positive efforts on people who work in them — everything from improved worker productivity to better health. The story is based partially on comments from experts who participated at the Cleantech Venture Forum VIII in Washington, D.C.

According to the story:

Green buildings incorporate technologies, materials and designs to improve such things as air quality and lighting for inhabitants. They also use so-called clean technologies, such as computer operated climate control systems, to cut down on the energy and natural resources required to operate the physical structure. Better health of building occupants, among other benefits, is prompting more designers from all industries and government agencies to construct green buildings, panel members said. Sixty percent of U.S. property owners involved in construction used energy-efficient designs in the past year, according to construction consulting firm PinnacleOne.

The story goes on to say that “green” or energy-efficient buildings, which aim to minimize the environmental impact of doing business, are increasingly being pitched as a smart business decision because of the improvements to worker productivity. Sure, the environmental benefits do come, but they’re considered more as icing on the cake. Promises of enhanced worker productivity, however, better justify the premium that’s likely to be paid for “greenifying” buildings and workplaces. It’s the kind of pitch that businesses are more likely to accept. There’s also the fact that the higher upfront cost is typically retrieved over time as more energy-efficient approaches lead to cost savings.

This is a story that’s definitely worth the read.

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