6th Nov 2024

Green Office Design: A Guide to Sustainable Office Fit Outs

Sustainability is more than just a trend or a buzzword, it’s a core responsibility for organisations everywhere.

Going green in everyday choices, including office design, helps reduce environmental impact and shows a commitment to corporate responsibility.

A well-planned sustainable office fit out is a big step towards that goal.

Designing with sustainability in mind – whether it’s cutting back on water waste, saving energy, or using eco-friendly materials – makes a real difference.

Plus, green offices don’t just help the planet; they create healthier, more productive workspaces.

Here’s a guide to building an office that’s easy on the environment and great for your team.

Key Elements of a Sustainable Office

Sustainable Materials and Sourcing

Using eco-friendly materials is one of the best ways to start a sustainable office fit-out. Recycled or reclaimed materials keep waste out of landfill and give old items a new life.

If those aren’t an option, materials like sustainably sourced wood and bamboo are excellent choices for minimising environmental impact.

Pick paints, adhesives, and carpets that are low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds). VOCs release chemicals that aren’t great for indoor air quality, so low-VOC options are better for the planet and the people working in your office.

Energy Efficiency and Lighting

Small changes can make a big difference in energy use. For example, switching to LED lighting and adding motion sensors or timers can reduce power use.

And if possible, using renewable energy sources like solar panels offer long-term savings while reducing your carbon footprint.

Natural light is another simple way to increase energy efficiency. It lowers the need for artificial lighting and has been shown to improve productivity and wellbeing.

Energy-efficient HVAC systems are also a plus, as they keep the office comfortable without using unnecessary energy.

Water Conservation

Water-saving features are a simple way to make an office more sustainable. Low-flow fixtures and water-efficient appliances help conserve water. Adding a rainwater harvesting system takes it further, storing rainwater for uses like toilet flushing or plant watering.

This setup eases demand on local water supplies, lowers the energy needed for water treatment, and even reduces flood and erosion risks. A practical, eco-friendly way to make the most of natural resources.

Waste Reduction

Office fit out projects can produce a lot of waste, but there are ways to cut back.

For instance, rather than throwing old furniture out, set up a take-home programme so team members can repurpose items.

Modular furniture that can adapt to different layouts is another good choice, as it reduces the need to replace pieces every few years.

Aiming for a paperless setup, using reusable supplies, and adding recycling stations also help keep waste low. Investing in technology that supports digital workflows can make paperless operations much easier, reducing waste and office clutter.

Sustainable Furniture

Sustainable office furniture not only contributes to environmental goals but also supports a more adaptable and collaborative workspace.

Recycled and Upcycled Furniture

Did you know that around 1.2 million office desks and 1.8 million office chairs end up in UK landfills each year? You can avoid contributing to this by picking sustainable furniture. For example, Steelcase’s ‘Think’ office chair is made from up to 28% recycled content, and is 95% recyclable.

Flexible Furniture

Modular furniture is versatile, which means it can adjust to different setups and save on replacement costs. It also supports different work styles, making it easier for teams to collaborate or shift things around as needed.

Building a Sustainable Culture

Building a culture of sustainability in your workplace is just as important as considering it in your physical office design.

Introducing sustainable initiatives, such as community gardens, is a great way to get team members involved. Here are some other ways to get your team to contribute to reducing your environmental impact:

• Green commuting programmes: Encourage the use of public transport and car sharing.
• Energy conservation: Remind your team to turn devices and lights off when they’re not in use.
• Waste reduction challenges: Reduce the use of things like single-use plastics to embed sustainability into everyday habits.

Setting Sustainability Goals

Establishing sustainability goals keeps office fit outs on track and provides a clear framework for improvement.

Achieving well-known certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) signals a commitment to high standards of sustainability.

The WELL Building Standard takes these goals further. The framework focuses on improving employee health and wellbeing at work with guidelines on things like air quality, natural lighting, and physical movement, creating a holistic, sustainable workspace.

You can read more about this in our blog about the WELL Building Standard.

Choosing the Right Firm

Partnering with a workplace design and build firm that understands sustainability ensures you’re getting the latest advice to help you meet your environmental goals.

Experts in sustainable office design can help you create a greener, future-ready office to support the long-term success of your business.

Ready for a Greener Workspace?

If you’re ready to transform your workplace but want to ensure you do it in the most sustainable way possible, contact us to book a call with one of our workplace consultants.