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?