Employees who work in LEED-certified green buildings are happier, healthier and more productive than employees in conventional and non-LEED buildings, according to a new survey released from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Washington, D.C. The survey also shows that a majority of office workers want to work for companies that are value-oriented, take stances on important issues like sustainability and do their part for making a positive difference in the world. In fact, 84% of respondents prefer to work for a company that has a strong, concrete mission and positive values.

"Employees know that green building programs like LEED help companies to develop responsible, sustainable and specific plans for green energy, water, waste, transportation and many other factors accountable for the human experience," says Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO.

When it comes to choosing a new job, findings show that people’s decisions were influenced by whether or not the workplace was in a LEED-certified building. More than 90% of respondents in LEED-certified green buildings say they are satisfied on the job, and 79% say they would choose a job in a LEED-certified building over a non-LEED building.

"We discovered that today’s employees are more motivated than ever to work for a company that promotes not just a higher standard of living for its employees, but also of its community," adds Ramanujam. "In today’s highly competitive job market, if companies want to attract and retain highly-skilled, talented employees, they must demonstrate a commitment to environmental, human and economic sustainability."

The survey also showed that LEED buildings are linked to improved productivity, health and wellness and a space that provides clean and high-quality indoor air, which directly contributes to employees feeling happy and more fulfilled at work. For instance, more than 80% of respondents say that being productive on the job and having access to clean, high-quality indoor air contributes to their overall workplace happiness.

In addition, 85% of employees in LEED-certified buildings also say their access to quality outdoor views and natural sunlight boosts their overall productivity and happiness, and 80% say the enhanced air quality improves their physical health and comfort.

The survey, conducted by Porter Novelli, New York, on behalf of USGBC, included 1,001 U.S. workers who are employed full-time or part-time or are self-employed but work in an office building setting.