4 Design Trends to Help Improve Sustainability in the Office
Did you know 76% of millennials consider a company’s social/environmental commitments before deciding where to work? Creating a sustainable building integrates several different strategies during the initial design, construction, and even the operations upon completion of the project. Take a look at the four types of design strategies today’s organizations are executing to develop a workspace that promotes both productivity and wellness for their people and the sustainability of the planet:
- Smart Spaces – Integrating technology into the building to create a work environment that automatically anticipates and responds to the needs of employees throughout the day, such as smart thermostats. Intelligent design favors efficiency within the space while creating an innovative, up-to-date space for businesses as well as contribute to the health of the planet.
- Green Spaces – Studies show that we spend more than half of our days inside. On average, the air we breathe indoors is two to five times more toxic than what is outside, which can be attributed to poor ventilation and off-gassing of toxic chemicals from a host of products (i.e., carpeting or furniture). A quick design solution is to bring the outside in with the use of green designs: decorating with more plants, installing operable windows to allow a flow of fresh air, and increasing the amount of natural light to name a few.
- Natural Spaces – Utilizing your space’s natural light not only cuts down on energy costs but also contributes to your staff’s overall productivity. Meaning installing larger windows, energy-efficient light fixtures, and bright colors do more than enhance your space’s overall look. The World Green Building Council’s 2013 analysis of building design and workplace productivity uncovered that employee’s access to daylight and operable windows caused an 18% increase in productivity.
- Sustainable Spaces – Encourage the use of renewable energy and materials that are sustainably harvested. For example, select furniture that is committed to recycling and sustainability, sourced, manufactured, and designed to ultimately better the planet and your office space.
Key Benefits of Implementing a Green Building Strategy
