In the heart of Istanbul, a groundbreaking study is challenging the way we think about sustainable buildings and the people who work in them. Dilek Yasar, an associate professor at Istanbul Aydın University, has been delving into the often-overlooked aspect of green-certified buildings: employee satisfaction. Her research, published in the Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering (Asya Mimarlık ve İnşaat Mühendisliği Dergisi), focuses on the Küçükçekmece Municipality New Service Building, the first public administration building in Türkiye to achieve BREEAM certification.
Yasar’s work is a wake-up call for the construction and energy sectors, highlighting that sustainability goals don’t always align with user expectations. “We often focus on the technical aspects of green buildings, but we forget that the people who use these spaces have their own needs and expectations,” Yasar explains. Her study reveals that while certain environmental factors like lighting and ergonomics contribute to higher satisfaction levels, there’s significant dissatisfaction with indoor air quality and thermal comfort.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. As buildings become more energy-efficient, there’s a risk that indoor environmental quality could be compromised. Yasar’s research suggests that a holistic approach is needed, one that balances sustainability with occupant well-being. “It’s not just about reducing energy consumption; it’s about creating spaces that support and enhance the people who use them,” she asserts.
The study also found that demographic variables like gender and age significantly affect motivation levels. This is a crucial insight for employers and building designers alike, as it underscores the importance of tailoring workspaces to the diverse needs of their occupants.
Yasar’s research is already shaping future developments in the field. She is collaborating with architects and engineers to integrate her findings into the design of new buildings. Moreover, her work is influencing policy discussions, with local authorities considering how to incorporate these insights into their sustainability strategies.
As the world continues to grapple with climate change, the need for sustainable buildings has never been greater. But as Yasar’s research shows, sustainability is about more than just reducing our environmental impact. It’s about creating spaces that work for the people who use them, now and in the future. Her work serves as a reminder that the best sustainable buildings are those that balance environmental responsibility with human needs, a lesson that will be crucial for the energy sector as it continues to evolve.