United States.
Building owners, developers, managers and investors in the U.S. are increasingly interested in creating healthier buildings, according to a new report from SmartMarket.
The report, called "The Drive to Healthier Buildings 2016," shows that the design and construction industry in the U.S. is poised for wider adoption of building practices that prioritize physical wellness. mental and social of the tenants and occupants. The study also reveals that owners of these types of buildings are already beginning to see business benefits, such as increased lease rates and higher asset values.
Strong owner interest is likely to increase the participation of design and construction professionals, according to the report, as the industry continues to collect data on the businesses and financial benefits of investing in healthier building practices.
The five healthiest building features currently in use include products that improve thermal comfort, better lighting/daylighting exposure, improve indoor air quality, spaces that enhance social interaction, and products that enhance acoustic comfort. The use of almost all of these is expected to grow considerably along with other pioneering approaches such as the use of biophilic design features, such as natural materials, natural light, etc.
