The impact of working in a green-certified building on cognitive function and health

January 9, 2025

Green-certified buildings are revolutionizing commercial real estate by delivering measurable benefits for the environment, building occupants, and business outcomes. While these buildings have long been recognized for their energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact, growing evidence shows that they also enhance cognitive function, health, and productivity—particularly in the workplace.

With urbanization accelerating across the globe, and a significant portion of the U.S. workforce operating in commercial offices, these findings highlight the critical need to prioritize sustainability in the built environment.

Key findings

Extensive research on commercial office environments by a MacNaughton et al study in The International Journal of Building Science and Harvard’s Global COGfx Study reveals the significant advantages of green-certified buildings on health:

26.4% higher cognitive function scores for workers in green-certified office spaces compared to high-performing non-certified buildings.
6.4% higher sleep quality scores, indicating better recovery after workdays in green-certified spaces.
73% improvement in crisis response scores.
44% higher applied activity scores.
38% higher focused activity scores.
30% fewer health symptoms, such as headaches, respiratory issues, and fatigue.
For every 10 µg/m³ increase in PM2.5 (fine particulate matter), response times slowed by 0.8–0.9%, and throughput (correct responses per minute) decreased by 0.8–1.7%.

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What’s driving these findings?

The improved cognitive function and health outcomes observed in green-certified commercial buildings are the result of optimizing multiple aspects of indoor environmental quality (IEQ):

Optimized thermal conditions

‍Maintaining ideal indoor temperature and controlling relative humidity minimizes fatigue and discomfort, boosting cognitive function. A study published in Indoor Air concluded that thermal comfort improves employee productivity by reducing stress and improving focus.‍

Enhanced air quality‍

Green-certified offices use advanced solutions to reduce CO₂ and PM2.5 levels, both of which are linked to cognitive decline. Harvard’s Global COGfx Study found that every 500 ppm increase in CO₂ slowed response times by 1.4–1.8%, and throughput decreased by 2.1–2.4%. Better ventilation improves decision-making and decreases symptoms like headaches and fatigue.‍

Lighting and acoustics‍

Well-lit environments with natural lighting and minimal noise pollution improve concentration and reduce stress. A review published in Building and Environment highlights that high-quality lighting minimizes glare and eye strain, while lower noise levels enhance cognitive focus and workplace satisfaction.‍

Holistic design and ‘Buildingomics’‍

Coined by researchers at Harvard, the concept of Buildingomics emphasizes the interplay of all building systems—air quality, lighting, acoustics, thermal comfort, and more—and their collective impact on human performance. This comprehensive approach ensures that commercial office environments are optimized for both health and productivity.‍

Improved sleep quality‍

Joseph Allen, lead researcher of the MacNaughton et al. study, noted that “buildings impact us after the eight hours we are in there for our workday.” The study found that workers in green-certified buildings reported 6.4% higher sleep scores, which improved their daytime performance and overall well-being.

Other reasons for maintaining green certification

Beyond improving health and cognitive outcomes, green certifications offer significant financial and operational benefits:

Higher rents and property values

According to the World Green Building Council, tenants are willing to pay a premium for sustainable office spaces. Similarly, JLL’s Global Sustainability Report highlights that 48% of global occupiers prioritize environmental performance when selecting office leases.

Operational cost savings

Green-certified commercial buildings operate more efficiently, achieving 30% lower energy costs and 20% lower maintenance costs compared to non-certified properties, according to the U.S. Green Building Council. Features like energy-efficient HVAC systems and optimized lighting lower utility bills and reduce equipment wear, improving net operating income and ROI.

Regulatory compliance and incentives

U.S. federal and state governments provide grants, tax benefits, and incentives to support green-certified buildings, easing the cost of upgrades. Programs like Section 179D and local energy rebates help reduce expenses while ensuring compliance with evolving environmental regulations.

Resilience against energy costs

Certified buildings are better prepared for rising energy costs and stricter regulations. According to the Deloitte Global Sustainable Real Estate Report, they use efficient systems and renewable energy, cutting utility expenses while safeguarding long-term value and tenant satisfaction.

How to improve sustainability ratings

Achieving and maintaining green certifications like LEED, WELL, or Energy Star for U.S. commercial properties requires targeted strategies:

Leverage analytics: Building analytics software like CIM’s PEAK Platform monitors and analyzes energy consumption patterns in real-time, identifying inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. By optimizing HVAC systems, lighting, and other energy-consuming processes, you can reduce overall energy usage, which directly contributes to higher sustainability scores.
Enhance energy efficiency: Upgrade your building's energy systems, such as HVAC, lighting, and insulation, to reduce energy consumption. Consider integrating renewable energy sources like solar panels. Implementing building automation systems that optimize energy use can also contribute significantly to higher ratings.
Improve water efficiency: Install water-efficient fixtures and appliances, such as low-flow faucets, toilets, and irrigation systems. Consider using greywater systems for irrigation and implementing water-efficient landscaping to reduce potable water use.
Enhance indoor environmental quality: Improve ventilation, use low-emitting materials for paints, sealants, and carpets, and ensure ample natural lighting. Providing individual thermal comfort controls for occupants can also boost your scores in this area.
Use sustainable materials: Opt for sustainable building materials that are locally sourced, recycled, or rapidly renewable. Focus on reducing construction waste through recycling and reusing materials where possible.
Ongoing performance monitoring: Continuously monitor and optimize the building’s performance using tools like energy management systems and building analytics. Recertifying periodically under can also help maintain or improve your rating over time.

The evidence is clear: green-certified commercial office buildings create environments that support health, productivity, and financial performance. By adopting tools like CIM’s PEAK Platform, building managers can optimize indoor environments, achieve sustainability certifications, and create competitive advantages in the market.

Prioritizing sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a business imperative. Let CIM help you transform your building portfolio into high-performing, sustainable spaces that benefit people, businesses, and the planet.