How to meet occupant demands for more sustainable, healthy office spaces
In recent years, the concept of an office space has undergone significant change. With the rise of flexible and hybrid work models and the growing concern for climate change, there is now a pressing need for sustainable, healthy, and high-performing offices. To meet the evolving demands of occupants, building teams must adopt people-centric strategies and leverage technology for continual performance monitoring. This article explores the benefits of green spaces and outlines key steps to meet the increasing demand for sustainable and healthy office environments.
Changing expectations in the workforce
Sustainable offices are characterised by their use of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient features, which minimise their environmental impact. The advantages of such spaces extend to both businesses and employees, including cost savings, energy reductions, and improved comfort. Research conducted by Brookfield Properties and Foster + Partners reveals that 93% of individuals working in an “environmentally friendly office” reported increased happiness, improving well-being and productivity. Moreover, 87% of office workers believe that their workspaces should be reevaluated for sustainability and health. Consequently, sustainable office spaces have become a crucial factor for attracting and retaining talent in the workforce. Building teams must respond to these expectations and ensure their buildings become more energy-efficient and align with tightening regulations. Indeed recent studies have indicated that the number of green offices is set to rise over the next two decades, in line with the Government’s net zero by 2050 targets.
Healthy spaces, healthy workers
In addition to sustainable features, occupants now prioritize the health and safety of their office environments, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerns surrounding internal air quality and cleanliness have heightened, with 24% of UK office workers expressing worry about these aspects—a 14% increase from the previous year. Building owners and teams must gain a deeper understanding of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems' performance and provide evidence of their commitment to ensure employee satisfaction and safety. Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, has emphasised the importance of monitoring indoor air quality due to its potential impact on public health. Consequently, regulations may evolve to mandate continual monitoring, making it crucial for companies to proactively address these concerns and gain a competitive advantage.
Validating building performance
As the landscape of office spaces continues to evolve, the need for sustainable and healthy environments is becoming increasingly important. Businesses must prioritise the expectations of their occupants, which include eco-friendly practices, enhanced well-being, and the assurance of a safe working environment. By embracing people-centric strategies, leveraging technology for continual monitoring, and validating building performance, building teams can meet these demands while ensuring they stay ahead of competitors in the race to achieve net-zero emissions. Embracing sustainable and healthy office spaces not only benefits businesses but also promotes the well-being and productivity of their employees.
Our platform offers building teams the means to optimise building performance, reduce energy consumption, enhance comfort levels, and lower maintenance costs. By capturing building data, we enable the monitoring and improvement of equipment, including HVAC systems, to enhance property operational efficiency. Through these efforts, we empower our partners to progress toward their net-zero goals and equip them with the necessary tools to meet the growing demand for sustainable and healthy office spaces.
To speak to a member of the team, please email info@demandlogic.co.uk or call 44 20 7193 4212.
