Small changes in how we design our offices can make big differences. If you are a business owner looking to cut down on your company’s carbon footprint or are working to make your home office more sustainable, keep reading for some great sustainable office interior design ideas.
Increase Energy Efficiency
Lights are one of the most energy-hungry elements in any office. Switching to LEDs is a great way to cut down on CO2 emissions as they are more energy-efficient than standard light bulbs. Another bonus of LEDs to businesses is that they are cheaper than incandescents. This is due to them using less energy and being the longest-lasting of bulbs. They can also be recycled, which is a huge positive for those companies that are working to reduce their carbon footprint.
Additionally, simple changes such as light sensors that mean lights come on and turn off automatically when someone walks in the room are easy to make when designing or renovating your office.
Smart Technology
Technology is constantly changing to suit our needs. With the current emphasis on environmental sustainability, lots of new technology is being developed to make energy efficiency a priority in the workplace. LED lighting and sensors are becoming ‘smarter’ and of higher quality, meaning that it is easier for them to be installed and adapted to different buildings and individual preferences.
Ways to track your energy consumption are becoming more popular. Having smart meters for businesses installed in the office is a great idea as it allows you and your team to track daily usage and make goals to reduce it if needed.
Make Better Use Of Space
When considering sustainable office design, what you put in your office is also important. Ensure that there is enough space for things that encourage yourself or your colleagues to act sustainably. This will allow for environmentally conscious living on a daily basis.
In terms of what needs to take up room, recycling bins should be readily available throughout the office. As well as this, bicycle storage and places for employees to change and hydrate will encourage healthier commutes to work, such as cycling or walking. This must all be considered before the office fit-out stage.
Maximise Natural Light
Although not all spaces have huge amounts of natural light, it is important to utilise what there is. Design plays an important role in this. When renovating or designing your sustainable office interior, consider how the light moves throughout the day, and when you (or your colleagues) will be in the office.
In a fit-out, it is common for some elements of the initial design to be reshuffled or altered depending on changes in natural light that may only become apparent further down the line. In some cases, a window may be planned to be added at the design stage, if possible. Avoiding overdressing your windows with heavy curtains or unnecessary blinds is also something to consider.
Choose Sustainable Materials
Choosing furniture and materials that are going to last in your office for a long time is important. The fewer times you need to replace or fix a desk, for example, the less energy will be expended on the disposal, purchase, and shipping of a new one. This must all be planned before an office fit-out, even down to the fixtures and fittings.
When deciding on what materials to use, you should consider how sustainable they are. If you choose to use plastic, for example, use 100% recyclable plastic. Sustainable office design also includes choosing the best insulating materials. From innovative glazing to smart material solutions, there are numerous alternatives available to keep the office at a suitable temperature all year.
Hire A Sustainable Fit Out Contractor
Ultimately, a good contractor will know the best swaps and design fixes that you can maximise sustainability. Having a sustainable office design does not mean that there need to be compromises on workability or looks. At HE Interiors we rethink your workspace and ensure that all our designs are practical, aesthetically pleasing, and energy-efficient.
If you are looking to make your office space more sustainable, let us know.
