“Energy costs have been at the top of everyone’s list, but employee health and productivity is increasing in importance,” says Dan Probst, chairman of energy and sustainability services at Jones Lang LaSalle.

Probst contends that the Sustainability Survey results reflect an evolution in the industry. "Five years ago, a corporate real estate executive might have thought sustainability was a costly way to make the company look good to employees,” he says. “Two years ago, that same executive probably focused on energy management as a way to save money in the short run. Today, he or she may be pursuing green strategies that enhance employee productivity."

Probst tells GlobeSt.com the attitude shift is driven in part by the realization that high performance buildings and high performance space can contribute to a high performance workforce. “The idea that green buildings are linked to employee productivity gains and more collaborative work environments is starting to sink in,” he says.