In commercial design and property management, the conversation is shifting from aesthetics alone to measurable return on investment (ROI). While the wellness benefits of biophilic design are well known, proving their financial value can be more challenging.
As we explored in our recent “Plants, Pricing, and Projects” webinar, translating the value of green interiors into a compelling business case is essential for today’s market. That’s where a powerful, trusted resource comes in: the Green Plants for Green Buildings (GPGB) ROI Calculator.
As an organization dedicated to educating design and office professionals on the economic and wellness attributes of nature in the built environment, GPGB has created a tool that bridges the gap between design vision and financial justification. At Oakland Green Interiors, we believe this calculator is an indispensable resource for our partners in architecture, interior design, and property management.
Here, we’ll outline the key business benefits of using this tool and provide a step-by-step guide on how to leverage it for your next project.
The Benefits: Why Use the GPGB ROI Calculator?
For professionals seeking to justify a green plant installation, this calculator provides the data you need to make a compelling, financially backed proposal. It helps you move from abstract benefits to concrete numbers.
- Justify Your Budget with Hard Data: The calculator provides a clear business case by translating wellness benefits into measurable savings. It highlights how living, green workspaces contribute to improved employee satisfaction, decreased absenteeism, and reduced turnover—all of which have a direct impact on your client’s bottom line.
- Move Beyond Anecdotal Evidence: The calculator is supported by robust international research. It reinforces that enriching a previously empty space with plants can increase productivity by 15%. This powerful, research-backed statistic gives your proposal immediate credibility.
- Enhance Strategic Planning: Use the calculator during the early design phase to determine the specific ROI for your project. This allows you to tailor your design choices to achieve maximum financial and wellness impact, making your proposals more strategic and valuable.
- Gain a Competitive Edge: In a competitive market, a proposal that includes a clear ROI projection for biophilic design stands out. It demonstrates foresight, financial acumen, and a deep understanding of your client’s business goals, helping you win bids and secure projects.
How to Use the GPGB ROI Calculator
This tool is designed for clarity and ease of use. It helps you determine the ROI for your specific facility and its unique circumstances.
Step 1: Input Your Project Details
To start, you’ll enter baseline business information to establish the context for your investment:
- Average Annual Salary: This is used to translate productivity and retention improvements into a dollar value.
- Number of Employees: Crucial for calculating overall gains from the people who are impacted.
Step 2: Enter Your Biophilic Investment
This is where you specify the details of your green plant installation. You’ll enter the total estimated costs for:
- Monthly Investment on an Indoor Plant Program: The monthly cost of professional plant care services, which is essential for the long-term health and ROI of your investment.
Step 3: Analyze the Results
Once you’ve entered your data, the calculator will generate a clear output, typically including:
- Total Annual Plant Spend: The total yearly cost of your plant program.
- Performance Value Gain: The estimated amount of productivity gain from your plant program investments.
- Net ROI: The calculated return on your investment, comparing the amount of return generated to the initial cost of the investment.
Step 4: Present Your Data-Driven Proposal
Armed with these numbers, you can build a powerful case for your green design. Use the calculator’s outputs in your presentations, proposals, and client meetings to show that investing in nature is not just a design choice—it’s a smart business decision.
