Sustainable Office Design: How to Create Eco-Friendly Work Environments
5 minute read
Businesses across the UK are becoming focused on creating clean, green offices. Ones that not only support their employees but also have a positive impact on the environment. There’s an increasing demand for designing sustainable office spaces, and modern workplaces as we know them are undergoing a period of radical transformation.
Beige, bland, and uninspiring workstations are being replaced by eco-conscious, sustainable rooms, kitted out with energy-saving appliances that not only support the workforce, and cater to the demands of a busy company, but readily address issues of sustainability.
The growing importance of office sustainability
Over the last few years, sustainability has developed way beyond our homes and gardens. We’re all highly aware of the need to save energy and resources there, and it’s now become a central theme in the design and refurbishment of office spaces, too.
It isn’t ‘just’ about adopting a few eco-friendly practices here and there, and hoping that’s enough, it’s all about taking a completely holistic approach; building work environments that are not only practical, but resource-efficient, and conducive to the health and well-being of the people who work in them – and to the outside world too.
The benefits of building your office with the environment in mind
It’s easy to see how building your office with the environment in mind creates positive change. There are a wealth of environmental benefits to consider, from lowering the carbon footprint of your business to conserving precious natural resources such as water and reduced energy usage. Efficient, sustainable office design can also help protect ecosystems and promote biodiversity too.
Positive economic changes can be made, from lowered operating costs due to the use of energy-efficient lighting, and with it, reduced resource consumption – to using recycled materials in the construction and fit-out.
The benefits can ultimately improve business prospects in the longer term, with companies attracting more eco-conscious clients, customers, and investors to your market niche. Should you ever wish to move on and find new premises to work in, your property will be considered much more marketable and carry an increased value, if it operates with sustainable practices in place.
Benefits to employee wellbeing are increased with a sustainable workspace. Firstly, the aesthetics of an attractive, clean, and comfortable office will do much to improve productivity and job satisfaction, not to mention the kudos and sense of pride workers get when they know they’re making a difference.
Designing a sustainable office space is, to put it simply, a win-win for employees, the business, and planet earth. We’re moving towards a more sustainable future and eco-friendly office fit-outs from professionals like Cobus Spaces are becoming the norm. It’s time to take the next step and invest in a cleaner, greener workspace!
Identify your sustainability targets or intentions
Every business will have different needs and targets they want to create for themselves, that’s why it’s important to sit down and think about what it is you want to achieve with your commitment to sustainability and an environmentally friendly office fit-out. You might want to consider some or all of the following when thinking about your needs:
- reduce energy consumption
- eco-friendly fixtures and fittings
- lowering your carbon footprint
- health and well-being of your employees.
Choosing sustainable suppliers – locally sourcing
Wherever possible it’s important to choose local suppliers to help you with your sustainable office solutions. Locally sourced materials produced responsibly, and with full traceability are key to making fit-out fantastic and reducing your environmental impact. Not only are you reducing your carbon footprint, but you’re supporting local trades and crafts too, and getting eco-friendly materials that will stand the test of time.
Cobus Spaces work in and around the Gloucester area and we provide high-quality office refurbishment services, to local businesses and educational establishments, making the most of our interior design expertise.
Efficient lighting
Energy-efficient lighting is one of the key considerations of a sustainable work environment. Often artificial lighting isn’t as eco-friendly as it could be and doesn’t always create the right ambience, either.
Making use of good natural light in an office space is key, and professional interior designers like us will always find the best ways to incorporate these elements into an office fit-out putting sustainability and energy saving at its core.
Incorporating biophilic elements into the design
Another way of enhancing natural light is to consider biophilic design in a sustainable office space. Not just for its impact on saving energy but for the health and well-being of employees too.
Other elements to consider when thinking about biophilic design are living walls and water features. They can add a soothing element of tranquility to a busy working space, as can considering the colour palettes you use. Warm, neutral light colours and earthy tones work well – as do gentle greens and blues to create relaxing hues that encourage calmness.
Creating a relaxing outdoor space is another way to consider biophilic practices at work, whether this is developing a pleasant, green garden oasis in an office courtyard, or simply creating somewhere calm and quiet to sit indoors, with greenery and potted plants dotted around.
Considering a switch to a more sustainable office set-up? Let Cobus assist you on your way to carbon footprint-reducing, clever workspaces that deliver measurable eco-friendly results.
