This unique, one-of-its-kind research study, conducted with academic support from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, reveals that sustainable workplaces are transformative for Indian businesses. The key findings indicate that organizations adopting green building practices are more likely to have a thriving and engaged workforce, which in turn leads to increased business performance. Moving beyond environmental responsibility, the study demonstrates that green building strategies significantly enhance employee productivity, well-being, and organizational profitability.
The multi-year project presents the strongest evidence to date that adopting green solutions in India’s workplaces leads to marked improvements in employee thriving, engagement, and overall well-being. Through a rigorous, multi-phase approach involving inputs from 75 case study partners, over 1,100 occupant responses from six cities, and analysis of more than 900 indoor environment quality data points, the study offers robust, data-driven proof that sustainable buildings deliver measurable value for both organizations and their people.
Key Findings:
- A 1% increase in Green Index (a composite of indoor environment quality and comfort) lifts employee thriving by 3%, engagement by 2%, and physical well-being by 3%.
- A 1% increase in Indoor Environment Quality leads to a 7% increase in employee engagement and a 2% increase in thriving.
- Improved Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)—covering temperature, lighting, noise, humidity, and CO₂—boosts both psychological vitality and learning at work, driving organizational performance, innovation, and staff retention.
- The findings confirm that sustainable workspaces deliver far-reaching outcomes: higher employee satisfaction, well-being, and organizational profitability across varying climatic and cultural zones in India.
H.E. Mr. Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen said, "Denmark is delighted to partner with India in advancing the agenda of sustainable and people-centric development. Over the years, our collaboration has demonstrated how shared knowledge, technology, and innovation can deliver solutions that benefit both people and the planet. The launch of the DI and CII-IGBC report on Sustainable Workspaces is yet another milestone in this journey. It 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 that serve as a model for the world."
Shri R V Karnan IAS, Commissioner, GHMC, said, "Telangana is proud to lead the sustainable transformation of India’s built environment, with Hyderabad emerging as one of the country’s green building hubs. Our state has consistently championed IGBC-certified projects across residential, commercial, and institutional sectors, setting benchmarks in energy efficiency and eco-friendly urban development. Collaborating with national and international partners, we reaffirm our commitment to harnessing the power of green workspaces to enhance quality of life, drive innovation, and build resilient urban futures. This report provides compelling evidence that sustainable workplaces are not only vital for citizen well-being but also a strategic investment in Telangana’s economic growth and global competitiveness."
Mr. C Shekar Reddy, National Vice Chairman, IGBC, stated, "As IGBC celebrates 25 years of championing the green building movement in the country, the launch of the DI and CII-IGBC research report on Sustainable Workspaces – Catalysts for Productivity and Profitability in Indian Businesses marks an important milestone. This study reinforces the need to move beyond traditional metrics like energy and water savings to embrace workplaces that prioritize people’s well-being, creativity, and productivity while ensuring environmental stewardship.
Together, we can transform our work environments into powerful catalysts for both sustainability and business growth, shaping a greener and healthier future for India."
The report provides actionable guidance for business leaders, developers, policymakers, urban planners, architects, ESG investors, and industry associations. It urges all stakeholders to:
- Prioritize IEQ and comfort in both new and existing workplaces.
- Integrate measurable green metrics in design and operations.
- Assess workspaces with evidence-based tools to drive employee engagement and organizational success.
