Mulville, Mark, Callaghan, Nicola and Isaac, David (2016) The impact of the ambient environment and building configuration on occupant productivity in open-plan commercial offices. Journal of Corporate Real Estate, 18 (3). pp. 180-193. ISSN 1463-001X (doi:10.1108/JCRE-11-2015-0038)

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Abstract

Purpose
This paper sets out to understand the impact of the ambient environment on perceived comfort, health, wellbeing and by extension, productivity in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach
The research combined an occupant survey considering satisfaction with the ambient environment, health and wellbeing and workplace behaviour with the monitoring of ambient environmental conditions.

Findings
The paper demonstrates that the ambient environment can have a significant impact on occupant comfort, health and wellbeing, which in turn has implications for built asset performance. Within the ambient environmental factors considered a hierarchy may exist with noise being of particular importance. Occupant behaviour within the workplace was also found to be influential.

Research limitations
The research was limited to a single commercial office building and a wider range of case studies would therefore be of benefit. The research was also limited to the summer months.

Practical implications
The findings show that an active approach to asset management is required, by continuously monitoring internal environment and engaging with occupants. This must carefully consider how ambient environmental factors and workplace behaviour impact upon occupant’s comfort, health and wellbeing in order to ensure the performance of the built asset is maximised.

Originality/value
This paper demonstrates that both occupier’s workplace behaviour and ambient environmental conditions can have an impact on occupant comfort, health, wellbeing and productivity. The paper strengthens the case for the active management of the workplace environment through environmental monitoring and behaviour change campaigns supported by corresponding changes to workplace culture.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Asset management, behaviour, comfort, health, productivity, wellbeing
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) T Technology > T Technology (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences > School of Design (DES)
Last Modified:	12 Dec 2020 22:51
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/14921

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