Including health and well being LCA
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Does anyone have experience including health benefits into life cycle cost analysis or know of relevant research? We are trying to get closer to the true cost of materials and projects (total cost of ownership). I'm trying to figure out the best way to put a dollar figure on health whether it be the value of clean air, health expenses avoided, reduced rates of disease, etc.
For a more specific project I'm also interested in any figures that can be put on productivity as a result of light quality from different types of fixtures (not daylight) and figures correlating light quality and wildlife.
Any help is welcome!
Thanks,
Tracy
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A frequently cited study of worker productivity vs. environmental conditions (lighting in larticular) resulted in the "Hawthorne Effect". Wikipedia has a good description.
Lots of people have analyzed this with little apparent agreement on the $ benefits. Most refer to lower absenteeism and slightly improved worker productivity.
The state of CA has some interesting researce that may address some of your questions here: http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/greenbuilding/Design/CostIssues.htm#Cost&Benefit
There is probably more info available and I look forward to seeing what others post.