![\"Sustainable](\"https:\/\/www.rhinooffice.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/1.-MondaGo-Aug-21050-1-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n6 Key workspace sustainability features<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere\u2019s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to office design. Every workspace is different, which is why our design experts have listed 6 potential features modern workspaces use to improve business sustainability to help you make the right decisions for your building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BMS <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
BMS (Building Management Systems) are an incredibly effective method for energy management. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are computer-based systems that can be installed in your building to control, monitor and regulate your office\u2019s electrical and mechanical equipment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A BMS is used to adjust the settings of your lighting, AC units, thermostats, etc. (depending on occupancy), proactively reducing your energy consumption at times when your workspace is least used. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is especially relevant with the rise and popularity of hybrid and remoting working, which has led to a fluctuating head count in offices. The same levels of energy are not required on a day-to-day basis, meaning that a BMS can effectively reduce your consumption at times where many of your employees are remote. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Waste stations <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Perhaps the most easily attainable goal for any industry is designing a workspace that accommodates responsible waste management. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the Harvard Business Review<\/a>, landfill and waste services are leading contributors of greenhouse gas emissions, meaning that simple changes, such as making waste separation more accessible to your employees, can make a meaningful difference in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFrom a design perspective, waste stations also require the least commitment, because they can be placed anywhere to suit your office layout. It\u2019s an easy change that shows your stakeholders that you\u2019re taking accountability for your waste management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Electric vehicle charging points <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular over the last few years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, EV sales increased by 76% in 2021<\/a> and are expected to continue increasing year on year. Chances are, many of your employees are already using EVs, and many more would switch if you provided adequate charging.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNot only is EV charging point installation wise from a sustainability perspective, but it can also help to boost staff retention & willingness to come into the office; it\u2019s often far more convenient for your employees with EVs to drive in, and a charging point allows them the opportunity to do so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Employees will be happier travelling into work if they know they don\u2019t have to worry about their car battery running out of power on their return journey home!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recycling and upcycled furniture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As you can probably imagine, a whole office refit involves a lot of \u2018out with the old, in with the new\u2019, as well as a fair amount of discarded building materials, but this doesn\u2019t necessarily equate to a trip to a landfill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, at Rhino we help to ensure sustainability by assisting our clients with the removal and disposal of their old furniture, as well as managing their recycling during the fit out<\/a> process. <\/p>\n\n\n\nFirst, we separate it into materials that can be recycled, such as metal and plasterboard offcuts, and the rest is sent to be processed and chipped, ready to be reused in a multitude of ways, such as biomass fuel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Any furniture that\u2019s still in good condition will be sent to communities around the world who need it, meaning that there\u2019s as little waste as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is this process completely green? No, and right now it can\u2019t be, but it\u2019s a step in the right direction, and an important one that we all ought to make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Natural lighting and energy efficiency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Another effective way to improve sustainability through design is to maximise the use of natural light. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through careful consideration and planning, you can effectively create a workspace layout that maximises natural light, reducing your reliance on artificial lighting and cutting costs in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Encouraging more natural light into your workspace also has the side benefit of boosting employee wellbeing<\/a>, too, as sunlight helps to release happiness chemicals in our brains!<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Natural](\"https:\/\/www.rhinooffice.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2.-RN9A6488-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAchieve certification<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While certification is voluntary, many organisations choose to pursue ratings from systems such as BREEAM<\/a>, LEED<\/a>, SKA<\/a>, DREAM<\/a>, WELL<\/a>, Fitwel<\/a>, CEEQUAL<\/a> and Home Quality Mark<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThese standards generally cover where people live and work, and are a reliable rating system for sustainability. They provide guidance on development strategies that minimise construction waste and pollution, reduce CO2 emissions and design in consideration for the environment in areas surrounding your workspace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The standards measure a wide scope of factors including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Water usage<\/li>
- Ecology and biodiversity<\/li>
- Waste and pollution<\/li>
- Life cycle value. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
People want to work for companies who are taking action to make their practices more sustainable, so many eco-conscious businesses are making an effort to choose BREEAM certified offices, while simultaneously striving for B Corp<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBelow are two examples of distinctly sustainable (and certified) office spaces:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From a design perspective, waste stations also require the least commitment, because they can be placed anywhere to suit your office layout. It\u2019s an easy change that shows your stakeholders that you\u2019re taking accountability for your waste management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Electric vehicle charging points <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular over the last few years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, EV sales increased by 76% in 2021<\/a> and are expected to continue increasing year on year. Chances are, many of your employees are already using EVs, and many more would switch if you provided adequate charging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only is EV charging point installation wise from a sustainability perspective, but it can also help to boost staff retention & willingness to come into the office; it\u2019s often far more convenient for your employees with EVs to drive in, and a charging point allows them the opportunity to do so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Employees will be happier travelling into work if they know they don\u2019t have to worry about their car battery running out of power on their return journey home!<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you can probably imagine, a whole office refit involves a lot of \u2018out with the old, in with the new\u2019, as well as a fair amount of discarded building materials, but this doesn\u2019t necessarily equate to a trip to a landfill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, at Rhino we help to ensure sustainability by assisting our clients with the removal and disposal of their old furniture, as well as managing their recycling during the fit out<\/a> process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n First, we separate it into materials that can be recycled, such as metal and plasterboard offcuts, and the rest is sent to be processed and chipped, ready to be reused in a multitude of ways, such as biomass fuel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Any furniture that\u2019s still in good condition will be sent to communities around the world who need it, meaning that there\u2019s as little waste as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Is this process completely green? No, and right now it can\u2019t be, but it\u2019s a step in the right direction, and an important one that we all ought to make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another effective way to improve sustainability through design is to maximise the use of natural light. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Through careful consideration and planning, you can effectively create a workspace layout that maximises natural light, reducing your reliance on artificial lighting and cutting costs in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Encouraging more natural light into your workspace also has the side benefit of boosting employee wellbeing<\/a>, too, as sunlight helps to release happiness chemicals in our brains!<\/p>\n\n\n While certification is voluntary, many organisations choose to pursue ratings from systems such as BREEAM<\/a>, LEED<\/a>, SKA<\/a>, DREAM<\/a>, WELL<\/a>, Fitwel<\/a>, CEEQUAL<\/a> and Home Quality Mark<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These standards generally cover where people live and work, and are a reliable rating system for sustainability. They provide guidance on development strategies that minimise construction waste and pollution, reduce CO2 emissions and design in consideration for the environment in areas surrounding your workspace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The standards measure a wide scope of factors including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n People want to work for companies who are taking action to make their practices more sustainable, so many eco-conscious businesses are making an effort to choose BREEAM certified offices, while simultaneously striving for B Corp<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below are two examples of distinctly sustainable (and certified) office spaces:<\/p>\n\n\n\nRecycling and upcycled furniture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Natural lighting and energy efficiency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAchieve certification<\/h2>\n\n\n\n