Insights
Building Tomorrow: Spacio’s sustainable office design approaches
By now you should be no stranger to the ever-growing need for sustainability around the world. It is more important than ever that as we enter 2024, humans must find a way to look after the world we live in and its resources to improve sustainability for future generations.
This is a driving need that is equally present in the offices that we design and build. From sourcing Eco-friendly and recycled materials to energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems and incorporating long-term cost solutions.
Here are some of the ways that we achieve sustainability in design and build, and how you can make simple changes to your own offices too.
Eco-Friendly Materials
There has been an influx of offices that are built as quickly and cheaply as possible. Often companies will propose to use large quantities of PVC, acrylics and leather to build out elements such as partitions, interior walls and furniture. These materials are extremely detrimental to the environment. Short term they are made using vast quantities of chemicals and long term they will not degrade when replaced.
At Spacio we ensure that wherever possible we can use and source materials that have the planet in mind. A great example of this is in the client meeting room at Gepp Solicitors.
Our designers managed to source furniture made from 100% Vegan leather. Meaning the upholstery on the furniture did not harm any animals in the making and was hand-stitched. Maintaining animal populations and providing a beautiful furniture finish.
Consider next time you need to source furniture that you explore sustainability focussed companies such as Sixteen 3 just as we did for our Assosia projects soft seating.
They work closely with suppliers to ensure that wood products come from well-managed, sustainably forested, sources and are Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) certified.
Biophilia
We are no strangers to the benefits that can come from using plants around the offices. So, we choose to incorporate biophilia in our offices wherever possible through companies such as Planteria.
Not only does this increase plant populations but also improves employee’s well-being through better air quality and mood through seeing greenery every day. More can be seen about our plant-based solutions here - Using smells to create the ideal office environment.
Biophilia is an excellent and easily achievable way to ensure your office is designed sustainably. This is something that all businesses can do simply and effectively.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient office design and building is not just a trend, it’s a necessity. In today’s world, where environmental consciousness and cost-saving measures are paramount, incorporating sustainable practices into the workplace is a win-win situation.
From a financial standpoint, energy-efficient offices lead to reduced operating costs. Lower energy bills, thanks to features like natural light harvesting, efficient HVAC systems, and smart building controls, translate to significant savings for businesses in the long run.
But the benefits extend far beyond the bottom line. Studies have shown that employees in energy-efficient workspaces experience improved health, well-being, and productivity. Natural light exposure, for example, boosts mood and cognitive function, while good air quality reduces respiratory issues and fatigue.
The environmental impact is undeniable as well. By minimising energy consumption, offices contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
Incorporating sustainable elements into office design doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. Simple measures like using recycled materials, opting for energy-efficient appliances, and encouraging responsible waste management can make a big difference.
Investing in energy-efficient office design and build is an investment in the future. It’s a commitment to creating a healthy, productive, and environmentally responsible workplace for employees and a positive impact on the planet.
Community and Brand Image
Sustainability in office design and build is no longer a niche trend, it’s a strategic imperative. Beyond reducing environmental impact, green choices project a powerful brand image. This commitment translates to attracting and retaining talent who value environmental consciousness, boosting employee well-being through improved air quality and natural light, and generating positive press and buzz around your brand’s responsible ethos.
Think beyond recycling bins; integrate natural elements, use recycled materials, and showcase energy-efficient systems. It’s a win-win for the planet and your brand’s reputation, fostering a sense of pride and purpose within your organisation. In today’s climate-conscious landscape, embracing sustainability in your office isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for business.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the main concerns with using eco-friendly materials and efficiency solutions is that it will interrupt your company’s branding. Using the wrong brand colours or strange materials.
These preconceptions need to be put to rest. Spacio spends a lot of time in workshops and discovery meetings with our new clients to get to the heart of a business and understand not only what it looks like but also what it stands for. You can be assured that when undertaking an office design and build project with us your project will uphold and guard the brand image that you have tirelessly built.
The initial cost of these sustainable solutions also springs to mind for a lot of company owners. Whilst sometimes the cost can be higher than cheaper alternatives, the long-term ROI will far exceed this. A real-world example is energy efficiency lighting. Cost can higher initially but long term the lighting will have to be replaced far less than the alternative.
Regulatory challenges are also a large talking point in the space right now. Spacio currently works with a plethora of legal and regulatory experts constantly in the know of the evolving regulations and compliance. All of our solutions align with the rules and regulations just as non-sustainable materials do. So, working with us you will have peace of mind that we have crossed all the T’s and dotted all the I’s in the background.
Conclusion
Sustainability is something that we must adopt in order to better care for the future of our planet and those who will inhabit it in generations to come. We have projects in every sector that have benefited and will continue to benefit from choosing the route that best follows this path.
You can see plenty more examples on our projects tab of our page and if you like what you see feel free to get in touch with us to discuss how we can work with you to create a sustainable space where you can do your best work.
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