How to Create Sustainable Serviced Offices?
In Canada, it's good to see that people talk about sustainability nowadays. Businesses, professionals, and workspace providers strive for a balance between the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit to achieve long-term success and viability.
The outcome is mind-blowing!
These sustainable serviced office solutions lead to cost savings, improved employee health and well-being, a positive brand image, and talent attraction for companies seeking to be environmentally responsible.
But how can you create these sustainable serviced offices? Dig into the content below to discover effective tips to create a sustainable and eco-friendly workplace that your team will love!
8 Tips for Creating Serviced Office Solutions
No space can be sustainable overnight. There are necessary steps we need to take to achieve such a sustainable working environment. Below are some sustainable tips that will benefit your workplace, employees, customers, and the planet.
1. Save Energy–Go Green!
Energy efficiency is the mainstream of any sustainable office space. Installing energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs, consumes less power and lasts longer. Incorporating motion sensors to control lights can save energy by ensuring lights are only on when needed.
Upgrade to energy-efficient HVAC systems that use less energy while maintaining a comfortable indoor climate. In addition, encourage employees to turn off equipment and lights when not in use and introduce smart power strips. Combined with energy-efficient appliances, these efforts significantly reduce a workspace’s energy consumption.
Installing solar panels or participating in renewable energy programs is an additional step to further lower your carbon footprint by generating electricity from the sun. The benefits are clear: lower operational costs, enhanced employee satisfaction, and substantially reduced environmental impact.
2. Let Plants Purify the Air
Plants are aesthetically pleasing and essential for improving office air quality. Incorporating indoor plants into your workspace can help reduce indoor air pollution, promote better air circulation, and increase overall well-being.
Snake plants, peace lilies, and spider plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which helps create a healthier work environment. They also remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air, making the space more pleasant and energizing. Greenery in the office also reduces stress, gives eyes a pleasurable sight to see, improves concentration, and leads to productivity.
Today, small plants are easily accessible and can be given to employees so they can place them on their workstations. Additionally, consider creating a dedicated area for a green wall to promote a culture of environmental awareness from time to time. These natural air purifiers are eco-friendly and create a positive, comfortable workplace.
3. Reduce Carbon Footprint
Want to create a difference for the environment? Reducing your carbon footprint should be your priority!
This involves minimizing energy use, travel, waste, and resource consumption. Start by evaluating your office building's carbon footprint—insulation, HVAC systems, and lighting can all be optimized to reduce energy consumption.
Schedule workshops on sustainability awareness programs and encourage employees to adopt eco-friendly habits, such as reducing paper use or opting for digital communications, which can have a significant impact.
Supporting remote work policies or promoting virtual meetings helps lessen the need for commuting and business travel, both contributing to carbon emissions.
Additionally, sourcing sustainable office supplies and reducing reliance on single-use plastics can lower your office’s overall footprint. Partner with green vendors and suppliers who prioritize sustainability.
By measuring and reducing emissions over time, your company can contribute to a healthier planet while boosting its brand’s eco-conscious reputation.
4. Green Your Commute
Encouraging employees to choose eco-friendly transportation options for their daily commute is an impactful way to promote sustainability in serviced offices.
Implement bike-to-work incentives, where cycle employees can receive subsidies for bike maintenance or free secure bike storage. Offer subsidies for public transportation and provide electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in your parking lot to encourage the use of green cars.
You can also foster carpooling initiatives, creating a culture of shared travel and reducing the number of cars on the road. Providing flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or staggered hours, reduces peak-hour traffic and lowers commuting emissions.
By focusing on green commuting initiatives, businesses can significantly reduce local air pollution and foster a healthier environment for employees and the surrounding community.
5. Cure the Planet With Hybrid Working
What can be better than working in hybrid mode?
Hybrid working—the combination of in-office and remote work—is a powerful sustainability strategy for serviced offices. By reducing the number of employees commuting daily, hybrid models significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation.
Moreover, fewer people in the office means less energy spent on heating, cooling, and lighting, creating a more energy-efficient work environment. Hybrid work also allows businesses to downsize office spaces, reducing energy and resource consumption. Not only is hybrid working beneficial for the planet, but it also leads to improved work-life balance for employees, fostering better well-being and productivity.
As businesses increasingly embrace flexible work policies, adopting digital collaboration tools that allow seamless communication and work-sharing is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and minimizing environmental impact.
6. Promote Recycling
Reduce, reuse, recycle! Follow the three steps to play your part in cleaning the environment!
Nevertheless, recycling plays an essential role in creating a sustainable office environment. It’s critical to provide clear, easily accessible recycling bins in strategic locations throughout the office.
Set up separate bins for paper, plastics, metal, and organic waste to ensure proper sorting and disposal.
Another significant step is encouraging employees to reduce waste using reusable containers and minimizing single-use plastic. To reduce paper waste, promote recycled paper and encourage digital documentation. Work with waste management companies prioritizing recycling, ensuring that office waste is adequately processed and repurposed.
Implementing a recycling program in your serviced office reduces landfill waste and minimizes your operations' overall environmental impact. It also boosts your company's eco-friendly image, appealing to customers and potential employees who value sustainability.
7. Go for Green Cleaning Products
Many conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can harm the environment and employees’ health. Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products is a simple yet impactful way to make your office more sustainable.
Look for non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning solutions free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. These alternatives are less likely to contaminate the air or water supply. In addition to cleaning products, choose sustainable cleaning tools, such as microfiber cloths and reusable mop heads, to further reduce waste.
Sustainable cleaning practices also involve adopting a regular maintenance schedule to ensure that cleaning is done efficiently and effectively, reducing the need for excessive cleaning supplies.
By choosing green cleaning products and practices, you can ensure a healthier workplace for your employees while significantly reducing your office's environmental footprint.
Proper temperature control is crucial for both energy efficiency and employee comfort. Serviced offices should invest in modern, energy-efficient HVAC systems to maintain a comfortable climate while minimizing energy use.
Programmable thermostats that automatically adjust temperatures based on occupancy levels or time of day can significantly reduce energy consumption. In addition, ensure that windows and doors are well-insulated to prevent heat loss in winter and cooling loss in summer.
Employees can also be encouraged to dress appropriately for the season to minimize their reliance on heating and cooling systems. For natural temperature control, consider using shades, blinds, or smart glass to reduce sunlight and heat in the summer months.
By optimizing temperature regulation in your workspace, you reduce energy costs, improve employee comfort, and contribute to a more sustainable office environment.
Want to Go Green this Year?
Office Hub is just a call away to help you find the perfect sustainable, serviced office solution for your business! We provide tailored solutions that align with your business goals and sustainability vision.
Let’s work together to create a greener, healthier, and more productive office space for everyone. Contact us today to learn how you can transform your workspace into a sustainable hub for the future!