With more and more people becoming conscious about the environment, sustainability is seen as one of the core strategies in today’s business world. Ranging from simple office refurbishments to changing the whole process into green manufacturing, the push for sustainability has never been stronger. This article explores five simple ways to start going green with your upcoming office renovation. Let’s dive in:
1. Maximise the Natural Light
This is one of the most effective and simplest ways to make your commercial refurbishment sustainable. This reduces reliance on artificial lighting, significantly reducing your office energy consumption. It is said that just letting natural light into your workspace has been found to reduce energy costs from lighting up to 80%. Apart from this, natural light is known to improve the mood of your staff and increase their productivity. It also enhances their well-being by reducing the risk of health issues related to poor lighting.
How to Implement?
Try Installing Large Windows Wherever Possible:
If the structure allows, install floor-to-ceiling windows (aka French windows) to allow an ample lot of natural light into your space. You can do this for open-plan offices so that the light is spread all throughout.
Use Light Shelves and Reflective Surfaces:
You can distribute natural light deeper into the building via light shelves. They are horizontal structures placed above eye level to reflect daylight. This can be more useful for deep floor plans that receive little direct sunlight in the centre.
Incorporate reflective materials like light-coloured walls, and floors to reduce the need for artificial lighting by ensuring optimal distribution and use of natural light throughout the building.
Rearrange Workstations:
If your employees work on computer screens throughout the day, arrange their work areas and desks near windows. This can help them receive more natural light.
2. Employ Energy-Efficient Systems
Energy-efficient systems like HVAC units and lighting consume less power, leading to considerable savings on energy bills. Lower energy consumption means lesser greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller carbon footprint by your business.
How to Implement?
Use HVAC Systems:
These days, HVAC systems are made to use less energy to produce an adequate amount of heating and cooling as needed. Check the Energy Rating Label before buying them. The higher the rating is, the better the savings.
LED Lightings:
LED light bulbs last longer and are the most energy-efficient bulbs today. They take up to 80% less energy compared to incandescent bulbs and they don’t contain mercury.
3. Use Sustainable Materials
This is another simple step you can take to make your office space more eco-friendly. Sustainable materials are sourced responsibly and are recyclable or biodegradable. This helps to minimise waste and is known to improve indoor air quality due to lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Moreover, it even enhances the textural and aesthetic appeal of your office.
How to Implement?
Recycle and Reclaim:
When you are renovating, you’ll probably end up with many unwanted office furniture. Try repurposing them with a bit of creativity. You can reupholster chairs and sofas with a new outer covering to give them new life. Use recycled wood for flooring and furniture to give that rustic look. Scrap metal and used aluminium, steel, and copper items can be repurposed as structural elements, light fixtures, and even as one-of-a-kind decorative accents.
Go for Durable Office Furniture:
If you still want to buy new furniture instead of reclaiming it, invest in good-quality furniture and fittings that are sturdy and durable so that you can avoid frequent replacements. This reduces waste and saves a lot of money in the long run.
4. Improve Ventilation and Air Quality
Proper ventilation is a must-have for a healthy and productive work environment. This reduces the need for energy-consuming air conditioners in your office. On the other hand, improving the air quality can lower the occurrence of sick building syndrome, a range of health effects and symptoms associated with the time spent in buildings, without any specific diagnosis or causes.
How to Implement?
Install More Windows:
Install operable windows where possible to let more fresh air come in.
Use Energy-Efficient Ventilation Systems:
These systems exchange indoor air with outdoor air while recovering energy from the outgoing air to condition the incoming air. Make sure air supply vents and return grilles are not blocked by furniture or equipment.
Add More Indoor Plants:
Plants are known to reduce the concentration of harmful pollutants to a healthier form, improving indoor air quality. Biophilic designs in the workplace can positively affect your health by stimulating your senses like sight, sound, smell and touch. Moreover, it adds a touch of aesthetic appeal to your interior décor.
5. Adopt Smart Technology
Integrating smart technology into your refurbishment project can significantly increase energy efficiency and improve operational control. These smart systems can monitor and adjust energy use in real-time, only when needed to ensure optimal performance of resources.
How to Implement?
Invest in AI and IoT Systems:
These technologies can predict and manage your office’s energy needs. Based on the occupancy and the environmental conditions in the building, IoT can optimise the performance of various applications in your office.
Try Smart Windows:
A lot of light in the office is not always a good thing. During summertime, natural light can bring more unwanted heat into your office space. Smart windows can adjust their tint to control light and heat levels depending on the environment automatically. This reduces the load on your HVAC systems and improves indoor comfort.
The Final Verdict
Sustainable commercial refurbishment is not only beneficial for the environment but also makes good business sense. By maximising natural light, using energy-efficient systems, incorporating sustainable materials, improving ventilation, and adopting smart technology, your business can create a healthier, more efficient, and more attractive workspace. These steps contribute to long-term cost savings, improved employee well-being, and a positive brand image. Remember, embracing sustainability in your next commercial refurbishment is a win-win, both for your business and the planet.
