the outdoor environment. Health and productivity costs associated with poor indoor

environment have been roughly estimated to be as high as hundreds of billions of dollars

per year. (Kats, 2003) Thousands of studies, articles and reports have proven a

correlation between high indoor environmental quality and reductions in occupant illness

and employee absenteeism, as well as increases in general productivity.

 Numerous characteristics of green buildings contribute greatly to improved IEQ.

LEED certified buildings implement less toxic materials found in many high frequency-

of-use items such as low-emitting adhesives & sealants, paints, carpets, and composite

wood products. Also, improved thermal comfort, ventilation, and HVAC efficiency are

staples of the sustainable design effort. These two efforts, combined with C02

monitoring vastly improve breathable air quality and lessen the risk of airborne toxins or

contaminates such as mold or fungi. In addition to lowered health risks from improved

breathable air, IEQ also increases significantly through natural lighting efforts. LEED

accredited buildings implement modern daylight harvesting techniques, natural shading,

and glare control to reproduce a comfortable, natural environment. These efforts to

reproduce natural environments are centered upon multiple goals, the most important

being occupant productivity. "Green buildings are designed to be healthier and more

enjoyable working environments. Workplace qualities that improve the environment of

knowledge workers may also reduce stress and lead to longer lives for multi-disciplinary

teams" (Kats, 2003, p.6).

 The design initiatives mentioned above have been positively linked to increases in

productivity by numerous sources. "Increases in occupant control of ventilation, lighting

and temperature have provided measured benefit from 0.5% up to 34%, with average