Climate change, zero waste initiatives and planet rejuvenation methods surround us. While many are trying to “do their bit”, it needs to be more than just a buzz word. And when considering the office fit out industry, we all really need to make a difference to achieve a positive result.
So, with a new year ahead of us, now is the time to explore eco-friendly office design and how you and your business can adopt some green office trends.
When deciding you want to pursue an eco-friendly, sustainable office fit out, you can’t go past paying attention to interior finishes and fittings. If you need to build walls, opt for high performance plasterboard which has 20% recycled content and 100% recycled paper lining, sourced from newspapers and cartons.
Sustainable ceiling options can contain both pre and post-consumer recycled content. While being low VOC, they also have acoustic and light reflective properties. This helps reduce interior glare but also contributes to the reduction of light and energy requirements. And on the topic of light, choose LED options whenever you can.
A good way of checking if elements of your interior are sustainable is to check for recognised certifications such as GECA, GREENGUARD, FSC and AFRDI Green Tick for verified eco-friendly products.
Paint should be low VOC as it emits fewer harmful chemicals into the environment, reducing ozone depletion and greenhouse gas emissions. And opt for water based products when possible as it’s a safer choice for the painter and the environment.
Sustainable flooring and fabrics are quite common now. However, you really need to look closely at individual products to determine if they are a good choice. In some instances cleaning methods required to maintain them may be more impactful on the environment and negate their embodied energy efficiency based on their method of production.
When it comes to finishes, some suppliers do offer take back schemes. But understand the “terms of takeback” before committing to a scheme that may not offer what you think it should. Those that do it properly are great. Basically, materials which would once have been considered waste, are now considered valuable with their continued circulation in the economy.
But before final decisions are made on your interior finishes, check out the supplier’s sustainability policy. And don’t be hesitant to ask questions if you have them.
Furniture is always going to be a big chunk of your budget. How it is finished will contribute to your sustainable office fit out. Most furniture substrates will be either MDF or particle board; both being made from recycled wood. Look out for FSC-Certified Wood options as well.
Surface finishes should be derived from ethically sourced materials, produced to minimise waste and reduce the supplier’s carbon footprint. Incorporating modular furniture into your workspace will also make a difference. Tables that can be configured to cater for 8, 12 or more at any given time make sense. Height adjustable workstations will suit anyone who uses them.
And why not consider furniture banks before agreeing to purchase new. Offices are being demolished every day and you would be surprised at the high quality furniture that often gets thrown out. Fortunately, consumers are becoming aware of furniture banks. They are becoming more open to considering their great furniture options for new office fit outs instead of sending items to landfill.
When viewing a tenancy, think about the flexibility of the floor plan. Has it been divided up in a way that will suit your business or will you have to carry out alterations? And keep in mind that sometimes an empty tenancy can be more cost effective when it comes to a design and fit out to suit your needs.
Are the existing walls, floor and ceiling in a good condition? If they aren’t, is the landlord going to repair them or will you have to incur this additional cost. Why not read our article Signing a lease- what do I need to know for additional information on this topic.
While we can’t all have a wind farm on our office roof, there are definitely eco-friendly energy choices you can easily incorporate in your workspace.
For starters, if you can go for solar options, do it. Ensure your existing air conditioning is properly serviced and functioning efficiently. Consider motion sensors for both air conditioning and lighting. This will help reduce power bills and your carbon footprint. Manage your waste effectively with recycling solutions. And encourage an eco-friendly attitude towards printing and other power based equipment. I don’t think we will ever achieve a paperless office but we can easily do our best to minimise usage where possible.
These days, sustainable office fit out is becoming a growing priority among businesses. Sustainability is here to stay and your eco-friendly office design will be a positive climate change contribution. Be aware of your options and continue to ask questions if you aren’t hearing the right answers. There are simple, green design solutions suited to your workspace. You just need to make it happen.
And if you would like to read more about related interior fit out information, check out our Blog Page.
Start your commercial fit-out with expert guidance, realistic budgets and an experienced team who know how to deliver.
