Green is the New Black: Sustainable Workplaces Are Sustainable Businesses

Guest post by Chloe Taylor 

Technological advancements are not the only force shaping the sustainable design of today. It is also under the influence of behavioral science, change management, demographics, performance metrics and organizational design principles.

Likewise, the staggering damage we have done to the Planet Earth and rapid depletion of natural resources has cultivated cultural changes. Ultimately, sustainable approach marks a profound workplace evolution and does not pose just another passing trend in the business landscape.

The sustainable cycle begins

Many new workspaces are built around the aspiration to lower the carbon footprint. Right from the start, recyclable, renewable, and toxic-free materials are in the focus. Manufacturers are now integrating recycled content and ingredients into conventional building materials.

The trend of reusing and reclaiming materials is on the roll as well, echoing the core philosophy of sustainability: reduce, reuse, and recycle.

No brick in the wall

Solutions like modular walls, for example, reduce the construction time, and also the amount of waste that ends up in the landfill. Additionally, they can be reconfigured to reflect the growing patterns of your business or workspace.

One more aspect speaks in favor of a sustainable approach: Businesses strive to display the commitment to the community, and one way to do that is to utilize locally-sourced materials.

Member acquisition

Energy efficiency does not only benefit the Mother Earth. In the long term, it also helps improve your workspace’s bottom line.

Take a look at the process of acquiring customers.  It has become a daunting task not only to find the right customers, but also to retain them. Well, one great way to differentiate yourself from the competition and offer incentives for members is to assemble a vibrant work environment. An integral part of the modern workspace layout is environment-friendly design.

Save and care

There is no need to break the bank.  

There is a multitude of upgrades one can do on a small scale. Take the example of water and energy saving fixtures. They decrease the environmental footprint, but also shrink utility bills. So, it is small wonder that we have witnessed the proliferation of water efficient washrooms and staff room fixtures, like high-efficiency toilets (HETs) and low-flow faucets.

You should always encourage your members and visitors to use energy in a responsible fashion.

By the power of the workforce

Wellbeing is in the spotlight, and it has been proven that workers thrive in well-lit, ergonomic, and toxic-free conditions.

A healthy and balanced workplace cannot be assembled without cutting-edge design solutions and sustainable thinking.  Specialists from the Melbourne Office Furniture stated that ergonomic furniture has finally been widely recognized as a health-preserving, and peak performance-inducing element of design.

Light it up

Lighting has a similar role to play. LED lighting has outshined traditional bulbs as the latter cannot compare in terms of energy efficiency, longevity, and zero toxicity. Furthermore, a passive design is a hot concept which goes an extra mile: It aims to maximize the solar gains, harness the sunlight and natural ventilation. On the other hand, using poorly-fitted lighting or relying too much on artificial products is a big drain on the energy.  

Momentous move

Remember that it is up to workspace owners and managers to pinpoint areas where reductions are to be made. They are inclined to put sustainable solutions to good use and monitor the changes on a daily basis.  

The green movement has come a long way, and the dire issues of our age simply cannot be ignored. What used to be a controversial subject is a norm today, and the history will repeat itself, like it always does.

Beat it

The essence of sustainability is all-encompassing. It involves environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, improved productivity, and a strong community aspect.  

There is a big shift towards sustainability in the business arena, and all types of businesses and workspace operators are eager to jump on the bandwagon.

After all, there is a wide range of techniques businesses can employ in order to boost the sustainability credentials. And rest assured that green design is a win-win, and that you are better off embracing the future of business today, before the competition beats you to it.