A 1% increase in workplace sustainability can lead to a 3% boost in employee thriving, a 2% rise in engagement, and a 3% improvement in physical well-being, according to a landmark report launched today by the Confederation of Indian Industry – Indian Green Building Council (CII-IGBC) and the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI).
The research report, titled “SUSTAINABLE WORKSPACE – Catalyst for Productivity and Profitability in Indian Businesses,” was unveiled at the CII Green Business Centre, Hyderabad, with academic support from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A).
📊 Key Findings
- A 1% increase in the Green Index (a measure of indoor environmental quality and comfort) → 3% higher employee thriving, 2% higher engagement, 3% higher well-being.
- A 1% rise in Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) → 7% boost in engagement and 2% improvement in thriving.
- Enhanced IEQ (covering temperature, lighting, noise, humidity, and CO₂) → better vitality, learning, innovation, and retention.
The findings are based on a multi-year study with 75 case study partners, 1,100+ occupant responses from six Indian cities, and 900+ data points on indoor environment quality.
💬 Leaders Speak
- H.E. Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, Ambassador of Denmark to India: “This reinforces the importance of designing workplaces that reduce environmental impact while enhancing well-being, creativity, and productivity. Together, Denmark and India can accelerate the green transition and create resilient urban futures.”
- Shri R V Karnan IAS, Commissioner, GHMC Telangana: “Hyderabad has emerged as a green building hub. Sustainable workspaces are both vital for citizen well-being and a strategic investment in economic growth.”
- Mr. C Shekar Reddy, National Vice Chairman, IGBC: “This study shifts the focus beyond energy savings to people-first workspaces that drive creativity, productivity, and business growth.”
🚀 Why It Matters
The report highlights that sustainable offices are not just eco-friendly but also business-friendly. By focusing on people’s well-being, Indian businesses can achieve:
- Higher engagement & retention
- Better innovation & learning outcomes
- Improved profitability
📌 Call to Action
The report urges business leaders, developers, policymakers, ESG investors, and architects to:
- Prioritize IEQ and comfort in new and existing workplaces.
- Integrate measurable green metrics into design and operations.
- Use evidence-based tools to link workplace quality with employee performance.
With IGBC celebrating 25 years of India’s green building movement, this study offers robust proof that sustainable workplaces are catalysts for both productivity and profitability.
