Save The Planet With These Sustainable Office Design Hacks
In today’s world, sustainability is more than a trend – it’s a responsibility. With around 40% of the world’s carbon emissions stemming from buildings like offices, it is vital that leaders focus on sustainable office design. In doing this, offices will not just save the planet, but also be able to improve employee well-being, reduce cost and enhance brand image.
What and Why Do You Need A Sustainable Office Fit Out?
Sustainable office spaces are those that are designed, constructed and operated with a focus on minimising environmental impact. While this can help your business reduce their carbon footprint, it also has the potential to reap significant economic benefits as well.
70% of workers say they are more likely to accept a job at an organisation they consider to be more environmentally sustainable, and are willing to make less money in the process. So in order to stay ahead, it is vital to implement eco-friendly practices to help your business stay ahead. It also ensures that they are able to engage, attract and motivate talent.
A study by Deloitte also proved that sustainable office design can lead to a 22% boost in productivity which has a direct effect on your business’ bottom line. Ultimately, by investing in sustainability you can reduce costs and can affect operating profits by up to 60% – whether that is through driving productivity or engaging talent.
Eight Ways to Design a More Sustainable Office Space
1. Maximise natural lighting
It has been proven time and time again that natural light is vital. According to a recent study, just 58% of employees are satisfied with the light available to them in their workplace, although 77% emphasise its importance.
Therefore, we always recommend taking advantage and factoring in large windows, skylights and open floors into your sustainable office design. In doing this, you will be able to reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, saving on energy costs.
2. Priortise energy efficiency
We also recommend incorporating LED lighting for nighttime use or in areas with less sunlight to help mitigate as this can use up to 75% less energy and emit 90% less carbon dioxide than the old halogens.
On top of this, installing motion-sensor lighting in areas like restrooms or meeting rooms ensures that lights are only on when necessary, further cutting down on wasted energy throughout your sustainable office spaces.
3. Review and upgrade your HVAC system
Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems can account for up to 50% of your energy bills. It is also often the biggest contributor to energy bills for commercial and office buildings.
However, this doesn’t have to be the case. When tackling your sustainable office fit out, we often recommend maintaining or even upgrading your heating and cooling system. If your system is not maintained regularly, it can increase your energy consumption by up to 30%, whereas newer heating and cooling systems can be 20-40% more efficient.
Most importantly, adding timers and operational controls to your system can prevent you from using energy to heat or cool a space that is not being used.
4. Purchase sustainable furniture
Office furniture accounts for 8.5 million tonnes of waste annually. As such, during your sustainable office fit out, we will prioritise using eco-friendly and non-toxic furniture and materials to help boost the well-being of your staff and minimise your workplace’s carbon footprint.
While ergonomic furniture also plays a key role in boosting the well-being of your team, office fit outs that use sustainable office furniture can also make a huge impact. This is because sustainable furniture that uses low-VOC or VOC-free finishes can contribute to better indoor air quality for you and your entire team.
5. Focus on biophilic design
Incorporating plants and natural elements into your workplace can enhance employee well-being by 15% and improve productivity by 6%. This is because biophilic design can create a space where people feel connected and focused while also boosting sustainability.
As such we recommend introducing elements like plants, living walls and natural materials to help mimic nature and reduce stress. These natural elements also have the potential to purify the air, regulate indoor temperature and potentially reduce the need for artificial climate control.
6. Design for flexibility and durability
A sustainable office space is one that is flexible, agile and ready to adapt to your workplace’s changing needs over time. By considering modular and high-quality furniture, flexible layouts and adaptable spaces during your sustainable office fit out, you are more likely to ensure that your business can be reconfigured over the lifespan of your business and minimise the need for office fit outs and constant renovations.
We recommend thinking about the ever-evolving nature of your business, and where you want to take it.
7. Encourage waste reduction and recycling
All sustainable office fit outs need to prioritise waste reduction, while ensuring current recycling systems are easy for employees to understand to help mitigate waste. Shockingly, one third of people still find recycling confusing, despite most people considering it important.
During a sustainable office fit out, we will prioritise setting up clearly labelled recycling and waste bins in areas that often produce the most waste such as the stationary or kitchen. However, we will also always ensure that your fit out helps reduce as much waste as possible across your team, by identifying ways we can increase operational efficiency.
8. Promote alternate forms of transport
In your sustainable office fit out, we recommend creating the spaces that actively promote alternative forms of transport. This can be achieved by incorporating features like secure bicycle storage, shower facilities, and changing rooms to encourage cycling to work.
While this facility can help reduce a business’ carbon footprint, it also can promote a healthier and more engaged workforce. According to a recent study, bike commuters have reported 70% more energy throughout the day and a 42% boost in job satisfaction.
Things You Should Know Before Designing Your Sustainable Office Space
1. Indoor air quality
According to a Harvard University study, a business can see a $6,500 per employee, per year increase, in employee productivity when they ensure their office buildings prioritise air quality, in alignment with the WHO standard.
As such, when building a sustainable office space, we recommend using sensors to monitor the levels of pollutants, carbon dioxide levels and ventilation effectives. In doing this, you will be able to help ensure a healthy indoor environment while identifying areas for improvement – whether that means more plants, an improved HVAC system or more.
2. Energy efficiency
It is important to gain an understanding of your office’s energy usage patterns and identify areas of high consumption. You can do this by installing smart metres or monitoring devices during your sustainable office fit out.
Once you do this activity, you will be able to understand your energy profile and implement targeted strategies for reduction and efficiency improvements. This has the potential to reduce your energy use by up to 30%. Additionally, by identifying areas that require more illumination, you will be able to create a work environment that is more comfortable and promotes productivity.
3, Current water usage
All sustainable office spaces require a better understanding of your consumption. That’s why we also recommend installing water metres and reviewing past utility bills to track consumption. This can help you assess the efficiency of plumbing fixtures and appliances, and also help you determine a water conservation plan.
By finding different ways to reuse or recycle water, you will be able to reduce your business’ usage, environmental impact and most importantly, save costs.
4. Analyse waste generation
32.8 mega tonnes of waste comes from the commercial and industrial sector. That’s why, when considering sustainable office design in Australia, it’s crucial to review and understand the different types of waste your business produces, why it’s being produced and where it’s currently going.
While waste reduction is the ultimate goal, implementing effective waste management strategies can help minimise environmental impact and unlock potential cost savings. Throughout your waste audit, we will work to understand any inefficiencies in the waste disposal process, including looking at e-waste, to help minimise environmental impact.
5. Certifications and green building standards
Sustainable office spaces are often given certain awards. When working towards creating a more eco-friendly building, we often work towards guidelines as set by bodies such as the Green Building Council of Australia. Following these guidelines will ensure that your fit out meets a specific standard, allowing your fit out to even be awarded a ‘Green Star’, to represent your commitment to achieving sustainability goals – whether that’s environmental, health, wellbeing and social.
According to the Green Building Council of Australia, Green Star certified assets have 13.5% annual return. They also tend to use 66% less electricity and 51% less water than other buildings.
6. Engage your team
Engaging employees throughout your sustainable office fit out is essential for success. In fact, 69% of employees want their companies to invest in sustainability efforts, whether that means reducing carbon emissions, using renewable energy, or minimising waste.
To support this, consider conducting surveys to assess awareness and participation in sustainability initiatives. Tracking behaviour changes related to energy use, recycling, and other eco-friendly practices can offer valuable insights. This approach not only fosters a culture of environmental responsibility but also highlights your commitment to creating a more sustainable workplace.