Businesses today are more concerned than ever before with the impact of their operations on the environment. While any office space can be made more environmentally-friendly, it’s often much easier for businesses to make earth-friendly changes during an office move. By selecting green materials, introducing energy-efficient products, and making other relatively cost-effective changes, it’s not too hard for businesses to go green in a big way when moving to a new office space.
One of the most important things to consider in green design is the space itself. Is the space just the right size for the company, or is it too big, meaning there is wasted square footage that must be heated and air conditioned? Does the space provide plenty of large windows for natural light, allowing employees to keep the lights off on sunny days? Natural lighting is also good for employee wellness and good indoor air quality, making windows one of the most important elements to consider in overall office design.
Once an office space has been selected, consider the materials used to fit out the interior, furnish the rooms, and even decorate the walls. Natural, sustainable materials are readily available, especially with today’s focus on earth-friendly design. One costly but elegant and reusable option is glass modular walls, which allow businesses to divide an interior in many smaller offices without building new walls that will ultimately be torn down when another tenant moves in.
It’s also recommended that businesses opt for low-VOC finishes. VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound. These emitted gases are not only harmful to the environment, but they can be hazardous to employee health. Fortunately, it’s easy to find low-VOC paint and even corporate art printed with low-VOC ink.
What about the bathrooms? Low-flow toilets and automatic sinks are something to consider as early on as when you sign your lease. Hand dryers instead of paper towels can make a huge difference in the amount of waste generated by a company.
While it is possible to turn any office into an earth-friendly space, most companies will benefit from professional help to make their green vision happen. Hiring an architect and office interior designer who has experience with dried flowers green projects is a recommended step if you want to be aware of all the latest options and innovations. There is always a new green solution on the market, and a knowledgeable office designer can keep up with the green design world.
Finally, many business owners wonder if it is worth it to spend extra designing a green space. The answer is, absolutely! Not only can a green office save you money on utilities, but taking an earth-friendly approach is impressive to employees and clients alike. Creating a space that is healthy for both people and the environment can help set your business apart from the competition and help you stay true to your values.