It’s not exactly news if we tell you that sustainable office design is a major buzzword in the commercial fit-out world - after all, we’re all doing what we can to reduce our carbon footprints, whether that’s at home or at work.
But what is evolving is the sheer array of options at our disposal to build better sustainability into our workplaces - from choosing mindful materials to embracing the circular economy; integrating smart lighting to buying local.
And implementing eco design practices into your sustainable office fit out doesn’t only help the environment - there are real, tangible benefits for businesses too.
Sustainable workspaces are better at promoting employee wellbeing, leading to a happier, more engaged and more productive workforce.
They cost less to run, with energy-efficient, eco-friendly designs bringing long-term savings that can be really quite substantial.
And they help to future proof businesses and their ability to attract and retain the best talent.
Last year, in a trend they called “Climate Quitting”, KPMG research found that one in five millennials had turned down roles where ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) commitments weren’t in line with their values - a figure that rose to one in three for the 18-24 age group.
So what makes an office design sustainable, and how can you ensure your workplace measures up - and still looks amazing?
Here are our 4 tips to achieve an out-of-this-world, Design Tonic-style space with sustainability at its core.
1. Begin at the beginning - how sustainable is your office building?
For clients who enlist our design and build services because they’re relocating, they can get off to a flying sustainability start simply by choosing a BREEAM or LEED-accredited building.
Our team can help you choose the perfect space for your design needs - get in touch today
If you’re renting, you might have little control over how eco-friendly your building is.
But there are still steps you can take to up your own sustainability game, from adding insulation to your interior walls, through making the most of natural light and air sources to encouraging green travel by offering ample bike storage, lockers and changing facilities.
A good place to start?
Ask your Landlord for the energy usage data for the building, so you can make well-informed decisions right from the beginning of your fit-out project.
We used recycled materials to transform a dilapidated Mill into a stunning space for Phoenox Textiles - read more
2. Mindful Materials, Furnishings and Textiles
Your workspace will be full of them, so the materials, furnishings and textiles you choose will be the foundation of your sustainable office design, every element with a contribution to make in minimising your environmental impact.
Opting for eco-friendly, recycled and locally sourced materials not only reduces your carbon footprint but also supports your local economy and community - another tick towards ESG goals.
Moving from "take-make-dispose" to a circular economy approach - where elements can be repurposed or recycled at the end of their life cycle - helps reduce waste by creating a space with longevity in mind.
And, by prioritising durability, recyclability and renewable sources, you can minimise your environmental footprint while driving positive change within your industry.
So what materials should you be looking at?
Being eco-friendly and durable, sustainable cork and bamboo and reclaimed or FSC/PEFC certified timbers all make excellent choices for modern office flooring, walls and partitions - each one looking good and doing good at the same time.
When it comes to furnishings, reuse and repurpose wherever you can, try to buy eco options from local producers where you can’t and look for renewable fabrics made from waste plastics and plants - with functional, fire-retardant options including natural hemp, silk and flax, there’s plenty to choose from.
And choose low VOC (volatile organic compound) emitting carpets and paints to maintain air quality and create a healthier indoor setting - especially important if you’re looking to gain an environmental rating or working within the IBOS (International Building Operation Standard) assessment framework.
Need some guidance?
Speak to our team - or look to certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), whose guidelines on sourcing sustainable materials are invaluable.
Natural daylight floods into the desk and collaborative working spaces at The Alternative Board (TAB) - read more
3. Natural Light = Better Sustainability
One of the easiest ways to make your office design sustainable is to maximise the natural light you have available.
In fact, when the Design Tonic team approaches any office design, build and/or fitout, the light is one of the first things we think about - and it drives lots of other choices after, from colours and space planning to materials and partitioning.
Energy consumption is a significant contributor to carbon emissions in commercial buildings.
So creating an intelligent plan that places your hubs of activity around external light sources and reduces the need for artificial lighting is great for your bills, and the environment.
It’s great for your staff too.
In 2018, a Future Workplace survey found that what employees wanted most from their offices was something far more basic, simple and human than they expected - access to natural light and outdoor views.
It actually went even deeper, with almost half (47%) saying a lack of natural light made them “tired or very tired” and 43% saying it made them feel gloomy!
Of course, offices need artificial lighting too to cover all bases; ambient, task and feature lighting.
But here again, not all options are created equal when it comes to sustainability.
LED lighting is a brilliant, eco-friendly option, beating incandescent, fluorescent, halogen and HID lights on energy efficiency, longevity and often on looks too.
LED technology has come on leaps and bounds, now offering versatile and customisable choices that closely mimic natural sunlight, as well as a wide range of other temperatures and tones to complement different architectural styles and design styles.
And how do you make them even better?
If you can, powering your lighting via solar panels installed to your office roof or façade is a short-term investment that reaps long-term sustainability benefits.
Check out our office lighting ideas to inspire here
Biophilia at work at Surfachem - read more
4. Greening the Workplace - literally!
What kind of Design Tonic blog would this be if we didn’t bring biophilia into the mix?
Actually, we already have - biophilia isn’t just about planting, it also includes elements like natural light and air quality as well as natural materials like cork and wood.
Biophilia is closely linked to sustainable office design as it promotes the integration of natural elements and processes into the built environment, aligning perfectly with principles of environmental responsibility.
Biophilic office designs:
- Reduce reliance on artificial lighting and heating, lowering energy consumption and reducing the carbon footprint of the workplace.
- Enhance indoor air quality by introducing plants that act as natural air purifiers; and
- Contribute to a healthier, wellbeing-focused work environment for employees.
And, in our humble opinion, they’re the finishing touch that make a great-looking office into an out-of-this-world space!
Planting in all its guises is a simple but oh-so effective way to make your space look and feel stunning and restful, and it’s not just beautiful - it’s also functional.
Did you know that greenery in the office can:
- Help reduce ambient noise
- Help insulate spaces
- Help improve air quality
- Create a welcoming environment with a positive feel
We’ve created many a green scheme for our clients, using plants, moss and living walls both real and replica.
To discover what we could design for your workspace, just drop us a line.
Design Tonic X Search Labs - discover more of this project here
Sustainable Office Design - your commitment to the Environment
Sustainable office design is about more than aesthetics - it embodies your company’s commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic viability.
By embracing smart planning, mindful materials, energy efficiency and biophilic design, commercial interior designers like us can create office spaces that not only inspire productivity and innovation for you, but also prioritise the wellbeing of your staff - and us all.
If you’d like our help to pave the way to a more sustainable and resilient future for your workspace, get in touch today!
