Advantages of Using Indoor Office Plants for Your Business

The rise of artificial office plants 

Plants have long been known to bring a number of benefits. Whether in people’s homes or businesses, the effect is the same. Now, a newer and far more cost-effective trend is taking root throughout the UAE - artificial office plants. Previously, there was not that large a market for artificial plants for office decor. This was mainly due to the fact that the overall quality of the artificial office plants available was fairly low. Now, technological advances have allowed skilled craftsmen in the industry to create fake plants that look real and the quality has finally caught up with the design needs of your business.

This article will take you through some of the most important benefits and advantages associated with using artificial office plants for your business. 

Increases productivity in the workplace

In the fast-paced world of business today, it is imperative that you take every opportunity to better the productivity within your workplace. One of the best ways to do this is by introducing some artificial office plants. Some studies carried out by Washington State scientists have shown that the increase in productivity in a plant-filled environment can be over 12% higher than in the same environment without plants. The study which was published in the ‘Journal of Environmental Horticulture’ also showed a 10% increase in the attentiveness of those tested in an office with plants. 


While the study referred to live plants, the use of artificial plants and trees for offices has sparked a revolution in the way that green decor and infrastructure are being used. Why not increase the productivity within your workplace by installing some artificial plants for office desks or perhaps some large artificial floor plants? With companies like Planters Artificial pushing the boundaries on what is possible when it comes to artificial plants for office spaces, there are so many ways that you can make your office a more productive place.

Makes for a more interesting office environment

The idea that an office space needs to be sterile and featureless in order to be efficient and productive is now becoming a thing of the past. While the old dynamic of countless cubicles with few personal effects and all similar features might have worked before, but times have changed. The workplaces of today and indeed the workers have more requirements for their work environments. Modern offices and other workspaces are more regularly being designed with their workers and clients’ interest at heart. After all, the tests show that a happy worker is more productive, which means a better business for you.

With grand features like tall artificial floor plants, you can transform corners of the office into green spaces that help calm the mind. Or why not use other varieties of large artificial floor plant in meeting spaces as a means of adding colour. This will also have the added benefit of dampening sound, therefore serving both decorative and functional uses at the same time. Some of the most profitable companies in the UAE have accredited part of their success to the implementation of greenery within their office spaces. And Planters Artificial has been there to help create those green spaces. 

Increases employee well-being

Employers are now gradually becoming aware of the correlations between the well-being of their workers and the functionality of their business. Nowadays, it is well documented that when an employer creates a business or office environment that is geared towards the well-being of their employees, the results are always positive. Not only that, but these positive results across the board in their effect. Increased well-being amongst employees has seen lowering the rates of absenteeism and even a reduction in sickness.

The fact is that the results of bettering your employee’s welfare have the ability to be so far reaching within your business. The use of plants in general and now the use of artificial office plants is one of the best ways to introduce a better sense of well-being to your office. Let your employees enjoy the benefits brought about by the implementation of artificial floor plants or other types of artificial plants for office spaces while you enjoy the benefits that it brings to your business.

Helps in the reduction of stress

The world we live and work in today can be a very stressful place. There is a direct link between the levels of stress that a person feels and their ability to work effectively. Just as well-being and productivity are affected by the correct placement of green infrastructure or artificial office plants, so too is stress. If you have a high paced office or work environment that is conducive to high levels of stress then the use of artificial office plants can help greatly to lower those stress levels.

Here we see an artificial plant installation stylishly serving as a partition wall.

Why not create a stress-free zone by using an artificial plant wall in an area used for coffee breaks. Or, you could see the effect that realistic fake outdoor plants have on your outdoor spaces and in turn on your employees’ stress levels. Whatever type of artificial green solution you choose for your office, you will be taking a massive step towards reducing the stress levels within your business. Industry-leading artificial office plant suppliers will be able to offer you a dazzling range of design ideas that will work for whatever workspace you have.

Create a more attractive workplace

Of a large number of benefits attached to the installation of artificial green features within your office or workspace, there is one that must not be overlooked; beauty. Many of the benefits that are mentioned in connection to artificial plants are somewhat functional, either that or financial. Then there are those features of implementing patches of green throughout your office space that serve to be both functionally and financially beneficial and more. One such feature is decoration and the benefit that comes from having a more attractive workplace. Having a more attractive place of business does not merely affect you or your employees; it has the power to affect business in a positive way.

Here we see how the main desk and the area surrounding it are made more attractive with the addition of an artificial plant wall.

Creating a more attractive workplace can be as simple as calling in the professionals. Top artificial landscaping contractors and companies who specialise in artificial office plants are still coming up with new ways to utilise plants within spaces. Some of the best artificial plants for office spaces have been seen installed on walls or even ceilings in order to create amazing and attractive workplaces. When you have an attractive workplace, your employees will be happier and not only that, but you will also see how it affects your clients’ perceptions – wanting to do more business with you.

A more creative workspace

Many of the region’s leading companies have earned their place on the top spot by relying on the creative efforts of their employees. In order to move forward in a fast-moving business environment, it is imperative that your workforce is thinking on their feet and being as creative as they possibly can. A great and easy way of upping the creativity within your office or work environment is with the addition of green spaces. Due to the massive costs attached to traditional plants or real plants, the smart decision is to install artificial plants throughout your office. 

This artificial green wall is used as a feature within a small meeting space for employees or clients.

Some offices have chosen to harvest this creativity in a more direct manner by offering their employees sectioned off spaces where they can think creatively either alone or in groups. As studies show that the presence of plants aids creativity, what better way to decorate these creative spaces than with the use of artificial office plants. A well-placed artificial green wall can be just what a space needs in order to help your employees think their way through a problem.

The business advantages of artificial office plants

With there being such a wide and diverse array of advantages associated with choosing artificial office plants, it can sometimes be difficult to see the ones that are purely business related. Well truth be told, most of the advantages attached to installing artificial plants in your office space can be looked at from a financial standpoint. All of them will go some way towards upping profits and bettering work ethic and productivity which in turn help the business turnover more revenue. But there are some advantages that are more focused in this area.

The main advantages of artificial office plants to businesses have to do with cost and ease of installation. The initial cost is already lower when compared to choosing real plants. Professional artificial landscaping contractors will be able to install artificial plants and trees for office spaces with the absolute minimum of disruption to your workflow, and even less mess. This would not be the case if you were to choose real plants and trees. With the perfect artificial green design, you will be able to transform your office space into a far more productive and effective working environment. A more attractive space will bring in more clients and help to raise overall efficiency.

Maintenance-free green spaces

The many costs that are attached to the maintenance of real trees and plants have long been the reason that very few offices and working environments made full use of them. Now with the rise of far more realistic artificial plants and trees for office décor, you are able to create the same effect and far more for a fraction of the price and with the added major benefit of less to no maintenance. So, now you can be safe in the knowledge that there is 0% maintenance needed and your new artificial office plants will require no watering (which is another cost saved). There is also no need for you to have staff that is trained in the pruning or cutting of your plants.

The lack of maintenance also has the added benefit of allowing plants to be placed in hard to reach places. These unused areas of your office that would otherwise be impossible to plant in. With no need to water or maintain your artificial greenery there is almost no end to what can be achieved within your office space. 

Please note, however, that when we say maintenance-free artificial plants, these primarily refer to the plants’ water, pruning and lighting needs. If you want to maintain its quality, occasional dusting is still needed like how you clean your furniture or fixtures. 

Here an entire office floor has been made an open plan and consists of separate working and seating areas all connected with an artificial green floor and decorated with artificial plants and trees for office spaces.

A cost-effective move for your business

As mentioned in the previous section, the financial advantages of installing plants and trees in your office space do not merely stop with the money saved when you choose artificial office plants over real ones. The choice to introduce any type of plant to your working environment is a good one but the more financially viable option is to make those plants artificial ones. The initial cost will speak for itself as you will begin to save money right away. Real plants are far more expensive than their artificial counterparts. 
 
The cost-effective nature of artificial plants for your office or workspace lies in the fact that after the initial cost, there are no follow-up costs attached. You are able to sit back and watch your investment work for you. Because artificial plants come fully grown, they do not need to be fed and will never outgrow the space that they have been put in because they do not grow.

Long-term value for money

When it comes to value for money, there are few better ways to make the most of your office space or working environment such as investing in artificial greenery. As we have already mentioned, financially, it makes so much sense. There are not many times that you will be able to clearly see an investment you make work for you, and for so long after the investment was made.

Top quality artificial plants and trees for office decor can serve your working environment in so many ways, from purely decorative purposes right through to the more functional and profitable for your business. If used in the right manner, artificial office plants will offer great long-term value for money.

This office has chosen a more functional yet still decorative use for their artificial office plants.

No loss of productivity

Any design change or even the addition of real plants and trees to your office would usually have the adverse effects of disruption to workflow, not to mention the noise and mess. This means that normally, for you to implement a change that would have the ability to transform your business, you would have to stop work altogether. Either that or have long periods where you attempt to work and have these changes made at the same time (trust us, this can be most uncomfortable for everyone involved).

By getting an industry leading team of artificial office plant specialists to do the job, you will be able to get the same amazing effects with no loss of productivity. Not only is the installation stress-free with minimal disruption of workflow, but there is no maintenance or watering needed either. Also, due to the fact that these plants are artificial and not real, you do not leave yourself open to productivity-killing drawbacks like hay fever or other allergies.

A high rate of return on your investment

All the advantages and benefits that have been mentioned above all lead back to artificial plants and trees for your office space being a great investment. Not only is it a great initial investment but it is one that will continue to give you a high rate of return. This return will come in the form of a more creative and productive workforce who will produce far more efficient and effective work. It will also come in the form of more clients that have more time to spend in your offices or prospective clients and customers who are willing to invest more and do business with you. 

Honestly, integrating artificial plants and trees in your office or workspace design could be one of the best investments that you make for your business.

Office plants are a viable solution for so many parts of the modern-day workplace requirements. Serving as functional pieces of the decor that brighten spaces and add a soothing and inspiring touch of green or whatever colour you think works best for your office. 

Now that you know how beneficial artificial plants and trees can be for your business, why not check out what industry leading experts like Planters Artificial can do for you today. Contact us today. 

Want more tips and landscaping insights? Click here and learn more about simple but effective design ideas that we have created for offices across the region.


Article originally published by Planters Artificial. See blog here. https://bit.ly/2URO3BC

Essential Guide to Indoor Plants

What are Indoor Plants?

There are few things more important when it comes to indoor plants than simply understanding the basics. Indoor plants are firstly just that; they are plants that grow indoors. Being grown indoors can sometimes affect the way that a plant grows or the amount of water or light that it needs to remain healthy. Landscaping companies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have recently witnessed a massive rise in the amount of restaurants seeking green infrastructure in their spaces. This was due to the sudden roar of the foodies across the UAE. But it is not just restaurants and bars that are calling for more foliage in their inside spaces. Retail and commercial outlets, as well as small offices and schools are beginning to seek out the benefits of what greenery can bring.

The Rise of the Indoor Plants in Dubai  and across the UAE

Never before has there been such a need for interior design to incorporate the more natural elements. We currently live in a world where the threat of climate change and its effects, as well as a need for more sustainable infrastructures are steadily on the rise. It has been apparent for a while that though the rise of popularity with indoor plants may have begun with the Millennial’s obsession for indoor plants due to their lacking of the ability to afford a garden in the big city. However, there is bigger force at work here when we talk about the indoor plants Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE are beginning to incorporate into their sustainable interior design in commercial spaces as well as restaurants and even small offices. The use of the indoor plants including vertical gardens Dubai-wide has risen due to the fact that there are now landscaping companies throughout the UAE that specialise not only in the design and installation of indoor plants, but also the maintenance and servicing of these beautiful pieces of greenery.

There is much more to this new craze of interior landscaping than mere decoration. There is evidence that clearly shows that spending time outside surrounded by nature can be a part of the healing process. When that natural fauna is brought inside, especially when it is correctly infused within the infrastructure of a restaurant, office space or commercial space, the effects can be amazing. Plants have the ability to lower stress levels, create a positive atmosphere and they are even able to help clean the air and improve the employee’s productivity, thus raising profit. No wonder there has been a rise in the demand for indoor plants from landscaping contractors in the UAE when they do fit outs for offices, schools, restaurants and other hospitality businesses.

So now that we have seen the popularity of indoor and outdoor plants in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE, let’s take a closer look at the potential benefits of indoor plants to retail, commercial or hospitality businesses of any kind.

Which Indoor Plants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Look Out For?

A good indoor plant will react well to lower levels of light as well as lower levels of humidity. They will be a species that is known to not attract pests and also one that does not grow quickly or too large in size. They usually have a lifespan of between 2 and 5 years depending on the species. This type of plant is also known for being fairly inexpensive when compared to their outdoor counterparts.

A good indoor plant will have a good root system, thick layers of foliage and absolutely no signs of disease or damage. Make sure that you closely inspect your new indoor plants for all of the above.

So you know you want to have some indoor plants for your business but now, you have to decide which plants to get and where they should go. Well, this is what the landscaping contractors are known for. Whether your small office needs a few well-placed potted plants for your restaurant or a large vertical garden Dubai shoppers would be delighted to see in your retail space, you need to visualise what you want before anything else. 

Luckily, if you choose the right company specialising in landscape design, you will be guided through this process. This includes the selection of the best types of plants for you.

Indoor Plants that Clean the Air

There are a few plants that are known for their excellent ability to clean the air of an interior space. Plants such as the spider plant, golden pothos and snake plant have been proven to reduce ozone concentrations in a simulated indoor environment’ according to Berkleywellness.com’s comment on a recent study by the American Society of Horticultural Science.

These are not the only plants that serve well as indoor plants though, there is a wide selection including bamboo, Chinese Evergreen, English Ivy and Ficus to name a few. 

Low-Maintenance Plants 

Plants that thrive as indoor plants do so for various different reasons. Some plants thrive inside because they do not need much natural light or do not require much water to grow and maintain its beauty. 

The Peace Lilly and the Pothos (or Devil’s Ivy) are both favoured by indoor plants suppliers due to their great ability to thrive in areas with low-light. If your commercial or retail space has more natural light then you will be less limited in your indoor plant selections. Ferns are also a great choice of plant if you are planting in a low-light environment.

How to Maintain Healthy Plants?

People nowadays think that they don’t have the time to take care of plants, more so to learn how to maintain them, so they ignore the importance of integrating them into their spaces. It’s a big no-no especially with all its benefits to one’s business. 

In order to add a touch of greenery, you don’t need the so-called “green thumbs”. The first step towards maintaining healthy indoor plants is for you to ensure that you choose the right plants for your space as well as the right location for them to thrive. Keep in mind that some plants will be easier to maintain while others need more attention. 

Plants generally need light to live so ensure that they have the right amount of light. If they were not properly taken care of, they will show signs of distress and eventually wither. Again, be sure to pick a type of plants that is suited to your commercial or retail space.

Plants, like humans, also get thirsty so be sure to water your plants regularly but do not over water as this can drown them and can be as dangerous as not watering them at all. Some installations can be carried out to make watering your plants less disruptive and easier. This includes installing a watering system. If this is not an option or you have just a few potted office plants, you can still choose to do the task before or after the office hours. Just be sure to keep a ridged watering schedule.

If you don’t have enough time maintaining your indoor plants, your landscaping contractor can look after them for you. When contractors carry out landscape designs, Dubai restaurants or commercial spaces benefit from the miscellaneous services that they supply. For example, some contractors offer maintenance services when installing plant walls, plant wires and even for plant containers to help you ensure that you get the very best out of your indoor plants.

What are the Benefits of Indoor Plants?

Plants Improve Productivity

While the initial reason for introducing indoor plants into any commercial environment may stem from a decorative standpoint, the wealth of benefits that these plants offer is frankly amazing. The right plants and the correct installation can make for a refreshing place to work. People who work in a green interior environment report a far higher level of productivity to those who do not. Put simply, a more productive workforce gets more done. This means that your chosen green interior design can at times directly affect your office, restaurant or commercial business’ productivity as a whole. This productivity can easily turn into profit for the company. 

Plants Provide Cleaner Air

Cleaner air in a small office or retail environment can lead not only to a happier staff but also happier clients. The atmosphere of a space can be drastically affected using certain types of plant installations such of vertical gardens or plant walls Dubai landscaping contractors are now specialising in. That change in the atmosphere can translate to a bigger turnover.  As mentioned earlier, there are some indoor plants that are known to have a better ability to clean the air than the others. A few examples of these types of plants are the Weeping Fig and the Bamboo Palm. 

Indoor Plants’ Psychological & Healing Effects

Greenery also have been known to improve a person’s mood. This positive psychological effect of indoor plants is down to nature having a sort of healing power over us. The scent and presence of natural plant life as well as the cleaner air and brighter, fresher atmosphere allow us humans to thrive.

Other Benefits of Indoor Plants

Aside from the positive psychological effects that indoor plants offer when used in a business or commercial space, they offer great decorative benefits as well. Plants, when used inside, can add a much needed touch of colour to an otherwise plain space. Plants can be used to cover entire walls or simply dotted around to decorate a space. Vertical gardens Dubai contractors have installed were even used as partitioning walls in some cases. Brighten up any retail or commercial space by using the right indoor plants.

Where to get indoor plants in the UAE?

Indoor plants suppliers Dubai-wide and landscaping companies in Abu Dhabi are becoming more aware of not just the reasons why this move towards more natural spaces is happening, but they are also growing their knowledge of how they can better equip businesses to make the absolute most of any installation. This is done using for-thought, forward thinking and experience to design from idea to install. Plants may be just simple additions to your interior but the process can be daunting especially when choosing the right ones for your business. There are some plants which you can purchase online and have them delivered to your doors but you will never be sure if they are the perfect fit for your space. That is why Planters, the largest interior landscaping contractor in the Gulf, and other landscaping companies in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the rest of the UAE will be happy to help a company during the selection. 

Criteria for the Best Landscaping Companies in the UAE

As you have read, the amount of benefits that an indoor plant offers the restaurants, hotels or commercial business owners is indeed staggering. There is therefore a need for you to go about getting your office, restaurant, retail or commercial space fitted out with indoor plants in the correct manner. Although there are lots of cost saving ideas and cheaper ways of doing it, spending the right amount on getting a professional and experienced landscaping company to carry out the work will pay off big time. You will end up with green infrastructure that works for you as well as with you.

There are some companies that are new to this side of the business; other companies have been at the forefront of the green infrastructure trend ever since it first came to the UAE. Companies like Planters landscaping contractors have the years of experience and the skill and expertise needed to carry out a fit out that remains healthy and sustainable for years to come. Using an inferior company for this type of work can have detrimental effects and leave you with not only a green interior that is not to your taste or liking, but it can also lead you to having to put in more money and work in order to simply manage and maintain the indoor plants that do not work for your business.

Be sure to use a well-reviewed and trusted landscaping company that has a proven track record with this type of work. A well-installed and excellently-designed piece of indoor greenery is the investment that just keeps paying back. It can not only make your business appealing to employees but can also have a similar effect on potential clients or customers. All these, as well as allowing your business to do its part for sustainability and to lower its carbon footprint in the process, are more than enough reasons to ensure that you get the right company for the job.

While there is a large selection of qualified landscaping contractors in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and across the UAE, not all of them are specialised in indoor plants and in fact, there are a fair few who specialise in outdoor plants. If you are planning on making the most out of your interior landscaping or are just interested in adding some green interior design to your business, then you want to use a company who know precisely what you need. A company who have years of experience and numerous happy clients. You want to be sure that you are getting the best quality installation for your money as well as the best suited plants, trees or garden for the chosen space. Why not choose a company that can also offer services that will go on to help maintain your green interior long after the installation phase? The servicing and maintenance of your chosen green infrastructure can be a cost saving addition to your decision process. There are even fewer companies that offer the client this type of maintenance service as well as being able to say that they are amongst the top landscaping companies in the UAE.

Why Choose Planters for your Indoor Plants Requirements?

Planters Group is one of the selected few landscaping contractors in Dubai and across the Gulf that can offer the whole package when it comes to indoor plants. They will work with you from design through to installation phase. If you decide to go for them for the maintenance and other landscaping services, they can offer you the best deal too. Contact Planters today and ask for the best indoor plants for your business.


Article originally published by Planters Group. See blog here. https://bit.ly/2IPXkTJ

HEALTH, WELL-BEING AND PRODUCTIVITY IN COMMERCIAL – THE IMPACT OF GREEN BUILDINGS ON PEOPLE AND PROFIT

1. The Environment Is Not Something “Out There”; it’s Where We Live & Work

Can a company be environmentally conscious and still make money? That might seem like a strange question, given that many of the most vigorous opponents of environmental regulations seem to come from the business world. But the experience of the UAE, Dubai in particular, in advancing a green agenda while engaging the corporate world in this transformation proves that not only is it possible to marry environmental initiatives with sustainable economic growth, it is a matter of the utmost urgency.

Climate change is real and it is affecting the lives of millions of people around the globe. Experts and ‎pseudo-experts can debate how much human activity is directly responsible, but the unending stream of ‎news about record-breaking hurricanes, cyclones, and flooding; the unseasonable heat waves and the ‎monster blizzards means that whatever the causes, humanity is facing the consequences of changes to our eco-system. But ‎there are efforts being made to mitigate and perhaps reverse some of the worst damage we have ‎wrought on our planet. Efforts to make our lives happier, healthier and more productive should be acknowledged and celebrated.

Signatories to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and the Paris Climate Agreement have tried to coordinate international efforts to promote sustainable development and to reduce carbon emissions. Although there is as yet no consensus on the actions that must be taken, some nations are going even further than the stipulations of these agreements.

The UAE has been at the forefront of countries adopting forward-thinking policies to encourage the sustainable use of resources. Through the UAE 2021 Vision and the UAE 2030, the country has outlined a set of rigorous initiatives to move towards a green economy by diversifying income sources, moving away from a dependency on oil, and becoming a global hub for environmental products and technologies. The measures introduced to cover the energy, agriculture, investment, transport and construction sectors, and focus on environmental quality and sustainability. This arises from the UAE government’s conviction that long-term economic growth can only be guaranteed through environmental conservation and as well as green technology innovation.

At the same time, Dubai has affirmed its ambition to become the green capital of the world by reducing carbon emissions, investing in green technology and renewable energy and by making the emirate a cleaner, greener, happier place.

2. Why Having Sustainable Interior Fit Out Makes (Dollars &) Sense

One area where we can see the direct correlation between environmental (green) business investment and profitability is in office fit out. We spend 90% of our time indoors and there are numerous benefits to health, well-being and productivity arising from having environmentally sustainable (Green) working spaces.

2.1 Environmental Impact

Buildings are an enormous drain on environmental resources and the major source of greenhouse gas emissions. At the global level, buildings are responsible for an enormous consumption of energy, water and ‎materials. One study estimated that buildings are responsible for up to 18% of global emissions today. ‎The same study stressed that the building sector can make extremely significant cuts in its carbon ‎footprint if designers, contractor and interior fit out companies apply environmental design standards.‎

It has been estimated that in the US buildings cause almost 40% of national carbon gas emissions due to their energy consumption. This is greater than both the industrial and transportation sectors. However, buildings which are constructed or remodelled taking into account the environmental and sustainability dimensions have 34% lower CO2 emissions, consume 25% less energy and 11% less water as well as producing significantly less non-recyclable waste.

2.2 Employee Health & Happiness

Researchers at Harvard have discovered that working in green-certified buildings has positive ‎and measurable effects on employee decision-making abilities. When they examined the ‎relationship between building conditions and workers’ productivity and health, they discovered that workers in green-certified buildings out-performed those in traditional office environments. The study found that Green office environment employees: ‎

• Perform 26% better on cognitive function tests
• Exhibit 30% fewer symptoms of “sick building” syndrome (malaise, fatigue, lack of concentration, etc.)
• Have 6% higher sleep quality scores ‎

Less measurable, but no less importantly, employees of companies that have moved to an eco-friendly interior fit out report feeling happier and more positive about work.

2.3 Operational Performance & Profitability

According to the World Green Building Council (WGBC) small changes in the office environment like increasing natural light, improving air quality and introducing greenery and exterior views not only reduce energy consumption but can dramatically improve employee morale, and performance boosting the bottom-line. The WGBC has identified several examples of environmental fit out impacting company performance and profitability:

• Skanska (Doncaster, UK) slashed sick days nearly 70% by improving office layout, indoor air quality and lighting. £28,000 was cut from staff costs in 2015.‎ Heerema Marine Contractors (Amsterdam) forecast a net present value uplift of €42 million ($47 ‎million) over 20 years due to improvements in its office (air quality, temperature control, natural lighting) leading to increased productivity and staff retention
• Saint-Gobain doubled their call centre staff productivity at their new North American premises. Sales generated leads increased 97% and leads per call increased 101% all because the new building has a fitness centre, 100 collaborative workspaces and 92% of offices enjoy outdoor views

If you factor in the fact that employee costs typically account for 90% of operating costs, according to the WGBC, every 1% improvement in productivity can have a tremendous knock-on effect on any business’ bottom line.

Other studies indicate that buildings which are designed taking environmental principles into account or that are retro-fitted have 20% lower maintenance costs than conventional commercial buildings. Green building retrofit projects can in some instances reduce operational costs by 10% within a single year!

2.4 Economic Benefits: Investors, Owners & Tenants

If we go beyond the not inconsiderable benefits to employee health and the associated reduction in operational costs ‎and look at property investment and development, analysis confirms that “green buildings” can ‎provide better investment returns to owners because of higher rental rates and asset value, as ‎well as better tenant attraction and retention.‎

In a study of publicly traded REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) in the US and UK, those with a larger ‎proportion of properties with green building certifications showed greater cash flow ‎that those with less such certifications.‎

In another study, examining over 25 thousand US commercial properties, researchers found that rental, occupancy and pricing levels of eco-friendly buildings are significantly higher than for non-certified ones. Green buildings have a higher value not only because of increased energy efficiency but also because of improved water efficiency. The sustainable materials and resources used in fit out also have a great effect on rent levels as they are more attractive to potential tenants.

3. Interior Fit Out Companies: Being Green in Dubai

At Summertown Interiors we practice what we preach, being the first fit out contractor in the UAE to receive the prestigious Gold LEED rating for its Jafza headquarters fit out in 2009. The LEED rating system created by the United States Green Building Council assesses the overall environmental performance of a building. After the fit out, it is estimated that the Summertown headquarters consumes 35% less energy, 50% less water and diverts 90% more of its waste from landfill compared to a conventional office building.

In another recently completed project, the fit out of the Smart Dubai office, Summertown worked with DWP designers to ensure that the 1,850 square meter project not only met stringent green building standards but provided employees with an attractive and healthy working environment. Summertown was awarded the contract because of its 20-year history company fit out solutions ‎taking into account sustainability and environmental design, which put it far ahead of any competitors. With a focus on promoting sustainable environmentally friendly development, the Smart Dubai office fit out relied on organic materials, including wood and rope, took into account air quality, energy consumption and lighting, in addition to some complex IT requirements.

If you don’t currently work in a Green office, don’t you wish you did? And if you have not yet considered investing in an environmentally sustainable fit out of your business, isn’t it time that you did?

Article originally published by Summertown. See blog here. https://bit.ly/2DpSSYd

5 Free Events to Attend if Business is your Jam

You might have heard that London is the city of opportunities. Yes, it’s not only THE city for 

entertainment, food, culture and art but if you’re interested in networking, business and workplaces

 then London is the place for you (as is this list!)

1. The ROI Debate: 

Tackling Influencer 

Marketing’s Billion Dollar 

Question

Where: General Assembly London, 114 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7PT

When: 15th April, 6:30-8:00pm

Like many of us, you’ve probably heard of Influencer Marketing. It’s been booming over the past couple

of years! Marketers are rapidly increasing their budgets to include Influencer Marketing, but there is an

 important question that cannot be ignored: “is it possible to measure the impact of influencer marketing

 and if it is, how do you measure it?” So, join a panel discussion of brand experts to unpack the best 

ways of measuring the success of these campaigns.

For more info and to get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-roi-debate-tackling-influencer-marketings-billion-dollar-question-tickets-58112420815

2. Sustainable Workplace

Where: The City Centre, 80 Basinghall Street, EC2V 5AR
When: 24th April, 08:00–09:30am

If you want to discover how sustainable design can positively impact not only employee health and 

well-being and improve our working lives, but also attract future talent and business, then you should 

have a look at this panel of industry experts. They will show you what can be learned from existing 

and new schemes that incorporate green roofs and walls, improve air, water and land quality, increase 

biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions.

For more info and to get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sustainable-workplace-tickets-58733236692

3. Designing for Cognitive Wellness

Where: Herman Miller Ltd, National Design Centre, 61 Aldwych, WC2B 4AE

When: 30th April, 12:30–1:45pm

Herman Miller’s Insights will introduce you to cognitive ergonomics and its implications for office design. 

He believes that a workspace that takes cognition into consideration when it comes to design, helps us

 feel better, which of course makes us work better. Decreasing mental load and cognitive mapping are 

just some of the topics that will be discussed.

For more info and to get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/designing-for-cognitive-wellness-tickets-51291323730?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

4. The Business Startup 

Show

Where: ExCeL London1 Western Gateway, Royal Docks, London E16 1XL

When: 15th May, 10:15- 16:45; 16th May, 11:00-15:15

If you’re thinking about launching or growing your business, then this exhibition is for you. It provides 

any ambitious entrepreneur with all the knowledge they need to start a successful and profitable company

 with the help of a world-class lineup of seminars, suppliers and master classes 

that are all geared towards providing guidance to entrepreneurs. This show is a gold mine of information 

when it comes to getting a business off the ground.

For more info: http://www.bstartup.com/
Tickets: https://www.eventdata.co.uk/Forms/Form.aspx?FormRef=BUS59Visitor

5. Free 4 Day Business 

Startup Workshop

Where: White City Community Centre, India Way, Shepherd’s Bush, London, W12 7QT

When: 20th May, 9:30am

This is the workshop for you if you want to start your own business or become self-employed. 

Upon completion of the programme, you will receive two recognised business qualifications. 

The workshop is delivered by award-winning Business Advisors with many years of experience and 

their own successful businesses. You will be provided with all necessary information about topics such 

as grants, free money and loans; tax and expenses; business 

planning; creating your offer and sizzle; selling and social media.

For more info and to get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/london-free-4-day-business-start-up-workshop-tickets-44908277868

London is full of opportunities, but sometimes it’s easy to get 

lost in all the hustle and bustle. We’re here not only to help you 

with this but also to be the place you can always come back to. 

Take your pick- Hackney, Manor House or Colindale. 

We would love to give you a tourand show you what we have to 

offer. 

Article originally published by Areaworks. See blog here. https://bit.ly/2Vbd6iE