It’s easy being green

Often enough, employers may think that having a desk, a computer and a telephone line would be sufficient for an employee to do his work. But with employees spending over a third of their day in the office, companies often neglect the importance of the environment and how it plays into employees’ well-being. 

According to Xilinx Asia Pacific Headquarters, creating healthier workplaces for employees will pay off in dividends. In 2007, the fabless semiconductor manufacturer was nominated the Green Mark Platinum Award by the Building Construction Authority – one of the few private sector companies conferred with the highest recognition of the Green Mark Scheme.

Buildings are awarded the Green Mark based on five key criteria: energy efficiency, water efficiency, site/project development and management, good indoor environmental quality and environmental protection, and innovation.

Peter Phang, Xilinx’s managing director of Asia Pacific, says creating a healthy and clean work environment was on the forefront of the company’s mind when deciding  to build its six-storey building in Changi Business Park.

Going green also bolsters support from environmentally conscious employees, who see this as a testament to the company’s commitment to protecting the environment. “We strive to imbue each and every staff in Xilinx with this corporate duty by building a conducive workplace that is environmentally friendly to encourage a sense of belonging, collaboration and innovation,” says Phang. 

Employees benefit directly from having a green building as well, adds Phang. For instance, the air in the Xilinx building is regularly purged and fresh air introduced to minimise the occurrence of a sick building syndrome. Indoor air quality is also improved with Xilinx’s use of low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint and zero-formaldehyde-emission carpet.

Michael Kenderes, development director of Land Lease Retail says Green Mark buildings are sustainable across three aspects – social, environmental and economic sustainability. This in turn improves workplace conditions as Green Mark buildings usually make use of natural light, have fresher air quality and utilise energy-saving appliances.