dr paul howe, biodiversity officer, rushmoor borough council nature – a key aspect of a...
TRANSCRIPT
Dr Paul Howe, Biodiversity Officer, Rushmoor Borough Council
Nature – a key aspect of a sustainable workplace
Presentation outline
• Background information – why is nature in the workplace good?
• “biophilia”• What has Rushmoor done?• What can we do to bring nature into the
workplace?
Nature in the workplace
• The Global office environment in 2015:
47% 58%
Nature in the workplace
• My office……
Nature in the workplace
There is compelling (and growing) evidence that contact with nature:• Maintain good health • Help recovery from illness• Alleviate stress and mental illness• Enhance social interaction and community
cohesion
Nature in the workplace
None of this should really be a surprise….
• E.O.Wilson explored “biophilia” in his 1984 book
• “biophilia” means “love of life or living systems”• Wilson elaborated - “the urge to affiliate with
other forms of life”
Nature in the workplace
• Interest in biophilia has grown over the last 10 years, probably due to rapid global urbanization
• Since 1950 some countries have seen an increase of 40% in the number of people living in cities
• The UN predicts that by 2030 60% of the world’s population will live in urban environments
Nature in the workplace
Studies highlight the benefits of nature in the workplace:• A 2013 study in the US found that workers with
a window view of a natural scene recovered from low-level stress much more quickly
• Genzyme corporation new HQ was designed in a biophilic way – 18 months later 88% of staff had an improved sense of wellbeing and 75% felt more connected to co-workers
Nature in the workplace
• What has been done at Rushmoor Civic offices…?
Two “quads” Surrounded byoffices
Nature in the workplace
• A wildlife garden has been created in the northern quad…
Nature in the workplace
• Wildflower planting in the southern quad…
Nature in the workplace
• What can you do to bring nature into the work environment?
Give as many
people a window
with a view…
Nature in the workplace
• What can you do to bring nature into the work environment?
Provide some
Pot plants…or
something bigger
Nature in the workplace
• What can you do to bring nature into the work environment?
Genzyme
HQ
Nature in the workplace
• What can you do to bring nature into the work environment?
Make the most of
outdoor space…
create space for
nature
Nature in the workplace
• What can you do to bring nature into the work environment?
• Engage employees in planting wildlife-friendly shrubs and plants
• Create a wildflower patch• Make a water feature (wildlife friendly pond?)• Put up nest boxes…
Nature in the workplace
• What can you do to bring nature into the work environment?
CSC in Aldershot
put cameras in
nest boxes built
by staff
Nature in the workplace
• What can we do in planning?
Ensure new schemes consider:
• Appropriate landscaping• Green roofs• Green Walls?