Wasted

poll>> Buildings • US

The media often highlights stories of US offices going “green.” But, workers in the US think very poorly of their workplace ambience, says a poll, conducted by software biggie ibm. Less than a third of the 6,500 office workers interviewed said their buildings are environmentally friendly. Around 60 per cent said the buildings do not use renewable energy. Only a quarter of workers said their buildings adjust the office environment, lights and temperature, based on occupancy.

“While we’re beginning to see some very good examples of green or energy-efficient buildings around the world, around the country, there’s still plenty of room for improvement,” said Rich Lechner, ibm vice president, energy and environment. The company’s report spoke a more strident language. “Typically, half of the electricity going into commercial buildings is wasted, such as lights being left on,” it said.