May 15, 2008 - A new U.S. government study finds that incorporating sustainable design features into existing office buildings boosts employee satisfaction 29%, Federal Times reports.

The study tracked the benefits of green overhauls at 12 federal office facilities. On average, the buildings now use 26% less energy and 3% less water and emit 33% less carbon emissions compared to other U.S. commercial buildings - and employees are 29% more satisfied with their working conditions than other government employees.

Yet green redesigns can come with their own set of employee headaches, according to the study. Common complaints post-retrofit include higher noise levels from open floor plans and increased computer glare thanks to poorly conceived natural lighting features.