8 Steps to Sustainable Office Design

What is Sustainable Office Design?

Sustainable office design is about creating workplaces that minimise their long-term impact on the environment. It’s more than just using eco- friendly materials. Incorporating sustainability into an office design includes energy-efficient solutions like lighting, heating, and ventilation systems. For instance, using motion-sensor lights and installing energy- efficient appliances can make a significant difference in overall energy usage. Recycled or reclaimed products are also essential components of a sustainable design, helping to reduce waste and minimise environmental impact.

Additionally, biophilic design, which uses natural elements such as plants, FSC-certified wood, and stone, helps make an office space more sustainable. Natural elements not only create a calming environment but also improve air quality and enhance employee well-being. Sustainability in design also extends to the fit-out process. This involves reducing waste, sourcing materials responsibly, and diverting waste from landfills. These measures are vital steps towards creating a truly sustainable office environment.

Our Approach to Sustainable Office Design

At ADT Workplace, we’ve developed an innovative process called ADT Wellspace. This process helps businesses create office spaces that support healthier lifestyles. Our approach to sustainable office design is built around eight core principles. These principles guide us in delivering environmentally-friendly workplaces that also offer significant business benefits. When applied at the design and scoping stage, they create healthier, more productive environments for employees. Moreover, they offer real business value by increasing productivity, fostering collaboration, and attracting top talent. Here are some of the primary benefits:

Increased productivity, concentration, and memory retention
Better collaboration, creativity, and innovation
More energy and motivation, leading to higher employee engagement
Greater comfort and fewer distractions, improving work quality
Reduced absenteeism, with employees feeling better and healthier at work
Enhanced talent attraction and retention, as employees are drawn to companies with sustainable, healthy work environments
Commitment to sustainability, reducing lifecycle costs, and improving the company’s environmental reputation

These principles form the foundation of every project we undertake. They help create offices that are both environmentally responsible and aligned with business goals.

Our Office Design Principles

1. User-Centricity

The first step in our sustainable design process focuses on user-centricity. This means understanding the specific needs, motivations, and goals of both the business and its employees. We conduct an in-depth workplace consultancy to tailor office spaces that promote productivity, collaboration, and well-being. These custom space plans not only optimise functionality but also ensure that sustainability is at the heart of the design.

Through this consultancy, we consider how the workspace will support the business’s long-term goals, including sustainable office initiatives. By aligning sustainability with user needs, we create spaces that foster a healthier, more productive work environmen.

2. Experience

Creating an engaging office experience is now more important than ever, especially in a post-pandemic world where employees are splitting their time between home and the office. Workplaces must offer a unique experience that employees cannot get at home, making the commute worthwhile. A sustainable workplace design that offers a sense of belonging, comfort, and collaboration fosters a positive working atmosphere.

Our approach focuses on how people arrive in the space, what amenities and facilities are available, and how they can be made eco-friendly. These factors create memorable experiences for employees and visitors alike, reinforcing your company’s culture, brand, and values. The goal is to make the office a place where people want to work, not just have to work.

3. Sustainability

With the continuous global climate crisis, employees are demanding improved sustainability practices from the businesses they work for. At ADT Workplace, we assess the entire lifecycle cost and sustainability of every product we use. This ensures that your sustainable office design supports the planet, people, and profit. We also consider your current or potential office space, recommending green office ideas and energy- efficient solutions that will positively impact your bottom line while keeping within your budget.

The focus on sustainability extends throughout the office fit-out, ensuring that both the design and build processes align with environmentally responsible practices.

4. Mental and Physical Well-being

Employee well-being has become a priority for businesses today. A key focus in our designs is to create work environments that improve both mental and physical health. Sustainable office furniture, such as ergonomic chairs and desks, enhances comfort. Additionally, providing good-quality fresh air, controllable heating, cooling, and lighting contributes significantly to employee well-being. These elements allow people to work in the way that best suits them, depending on the tasks they need to complete.

5. Air Quality

Air quality is a vital aspect of any office environment. Improving air quality can enhance employee health and productivity. By implementing effective ventilation systems tailored to the office’s needs, we can significantly reduce the impact of external pollutants. This helps improve alertness and overall team performance. Moreover, better ventilation contributes to temperature and humidity control, which prevents issues like condensation and mold. Prioritising air quality is a key element of any sustainable office design.

6. Natural Light

Natural light is essential for employee well-being. Exposure to natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms, which reduces anxiety and drowsiness. Sustainable workplace designs should prioritise access to natural light whenever possible. Additionally, efficient artificial lighting solutions ensure that employee comfort is maintained throughout the workday. Controllability and efficiency of lighting systems are essential for both employee satisfaction and energy savings.

Our designers at ADT Workplace focus on maximising the use of natural light while incorporating energy-efficient lighting solutions tailored to the office space.

7. Acoustics

Research shows that noisy environments decrease employee productivity. Acoustic comfort is crucial in creating a productive and healthy work environment. Features such as acoustic panels, sound-absorbing materials, and well-designed office layouts can significantly reduce noise levels. Proper acoustic design is key to maintaining focus and boosting productivity in a busy office environment.

8. Temperature

Temperature control is a significant factor in workplace satisfaction. Studies show that employees who are comfortable with their thermal environment are more productive. However, maintaining thermal comfort can be tricky, as it depends on personal preferences and environmental factors. Our designs incorporate controlled heating and cooling systems that allow employees to adjust the temperature, ensuring they stay comfortable throughout the workday

What’s Next?

In today’s world, businesses can no longer ignore sustainability. It is not just about complying with regulations; it’s about meeting the expectations of customers, employees, and investors. Sustainable office design is a powerful way to address environmental challenges and improve business performance. Companies that balance sustainability with profitability are more likely to succeed in the long term. If you’re unsure how to start your sustainability journey, our team of workplace consultants at ADT Workplace is here to help. We provide tailored solutions that meet your business’s specific needs, helping you achieve your sustainability goals.