In the world of commercial design and property management, the conversation has moved beyond just aesthetics to focus on measurable return on investment (ROI). While the wellness benefits of biophilic design are widely understood, proving their financial impact can be 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 live, 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 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 increased productivity and reduced absenteeism.
- Total Annual Absenteeism: This metric helps quantify the savings from improved employee health and morale.
Step 2: Enter Your Biophilic Investment
This is where you specify the details of your green plant installation. You’ll enter the estimated costs for:
- Total Installation Cost: The full price of plants, planters, irrigation systems, and labor.
- Total Annual Maintenance Cost: The 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 Financial Benefits: A comprehensive breakdown of your projected savings.
- Net ROI: The calculated return on your investment, presented in a clear percentage.
- Payback Period: The estimated time it takes for your initial investment to be recouped through accumulated savings and benefits.
Step 4: Present Your Data-Driven Proposal
Armed with these compelling numbers, you can build a powerful case for your 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.
As a proud member of the industry, Oakland Green Interiors encourages you to utilize this valuable tool, which was a key topic of discussion in our recent webinar.
Ready to calculate your ROI?
