How sustainable is your company? 8 things to look for
These days, going green isn't just good for the environment; it's good for business too.
Not only can it save companies money on operational costs and utilities, but it can attract talent. Nearly 7 in 10 workers are more willing to apply for and accept a job offer at a company they consider environmentally sustainable, according to a 2021 IBM survey. Almost half of workers would even take a lower salary to work for a company they view as environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.
It should come as no surprise, then, that the demand for green office buildings is on the rise in major cities across the globe as employers look to attract top talent. Four major U.S. cities—Chicago, Houston, New York, and San Francisco—already have more than 40% of their office space certified green, per a report from real estate company Savills.
While it's easier to track energy efficiency in these new certified green office buildings, there are still upgrades for older buildings that can make a difference in limiting their environmental impact.
Some practices might mirror what employees would do at home, like recycling bins next to trash receptacles. But others that may be larger scale or less easy to spot, like what kinds of windows are installed and how quickly water flows from the faucets.
To help identify whether a company prioritizes sustainability in its workplace, Firmspace compiled a list of eight things you can look for to determine whether it is striding toward sustainability.
