As the world grapples with the challenges of global warming and climate change, it is imperative to consider the impact of human activity on the environment and explore ways to reduce carbon footprint. Since the reopening of offices after the pandemic, sustainability has become the key priority for businesses. Here are the key trends in sustainability redefining the office space.
Biophilic Design: Biophilic design aims to make the built environment sustainable and improve the overall well-being of occupants. It is also known to improve productivity, fuel creativity, and foster innovation. Biophilic design incorporates natural elements such as plants and natural light to enable occupants to connect with Nature. Some examples of biophilic design include introducing plants and trees into interiors and landscaping, using images and colours associated with the natural world, and using eco-friendly materials such as hemp, bamboo, and clay in structure and furniture.
Use of Solar/Wind Energy: Businesses are increasingly adopting renewable energy technologies based on solar or wind to meet their energy requirements. Renewable energy is eco-friendly and mitigates carbon footprints. For instance, Suzlon One Earth in Pune is powered by wind energy, which fulfils 7% of its energy requirements. Similarly, Surat Diamond Bourse in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the world’s largest office building, is powered by one of the world’s highest solar energy-generating rooftop projects.
Green Buildings: Green building certifications such as LEED, WELL, and BREEAM are industry-standard programs that evaluate the sustainability of buildings on various parameters and then give them a certification. Certified buildings get a host of benefits, such as increased property value and attraction of more tenants. Some green buildings in India include ITC Maurya in Delhi, the Cisco Building in Bengaluru, Infinity Benchmark in Kolkata, and CII-Sohrabji Godrej Business Centre, Hyderabad.
Energy Efficient Systems: Energy efficient systems play a vital role in reducing energy consumption, lowering operational costs and ensuring the overall well-being of occupants. Integrating these projects into building projects ensures high-performance, sustainable buildings that deliver long-term value and environmental benefits. Some examples of energy-efficient systems include LED and CFL lamps and smart building controls that enable real-time monitoring, control and optimisation of building systems, such as HVAC systems and lighting and occupancy sensors. Most of the workspace provider like Smartworks , Wework also adopt this technology to reduce energy consumption which eventually also benefit tenant also.
Zero Waste Strategies: The office space segment is increasingly adopting strategies to minimise waste. Such strategies include monitoring and tracking waste, implementing recycling and composting programs, reducing single-use plastic, and appropriate disposal of e-waste, among others. For example, Smartworks, an office experience and managed campus platform, has implemented monthly tracking of energy, water, and waste in line with its social, environmental, and governance programs. Such measures also help its clients meet their green goals.
Eco-friendly Commute: Eco-friendly commute options such as pedestrian tracks, cycles, and electric vehicles are increasingly gaining traction in office campuses. These options are not only sustainable but also contribute to the overall well-being of occupants. Seeing a strong demand for electric vehicles, office campuses are making provision for electric charging stations on the premises.
Sustainable office spaces result in a win-win situation for all stakeholders—companies, employees, and clients. While resulting in significant energy and water savings, they are known to boost employee wellness while reducing costs in the long run. Sustainable workspaces also reinforce the company’s commitment to achieving green goals, boosting brand image, and attracting the best talent. With companies increasingly realising the need to go green, sustainably managed spaces are here to stay and offer viable pathways to success for both businesses and employees.
