EPA studies show that air quality inside buildings is three to five times worse than outside air. Numerous productivity studies show benefits from improved indoor environmental quality. For example, the Department of Energy estimates there can be up to a 6 percent improvement in productivity with an improvement of IAQ.
The problem is that it is very difficult to correlate productivity improvement with specific sustainability initiatives. However, at a common-sense level, it stands to reason that improving the comfort and well-being of building occupants will have a positive impact on their productivity.
Sustainability in existing buildings may not be easy, but it does not have to be hard. After all, sustainability is at the core of what facility executives do every day and can link your job to a major initiative for your organization. 
Maureen K. Roskoski, a registered environmental property assessor and a LEED accredited professional, is a senior professional at Facility Engineering Associates and heads the firm’s sustainability task force.
LEED-EB Requires Energy Efficiency Measures
Creating Sustainable Purchasing Policies
IAQ And LEED-EB
