Many organisations have revised their 2024 ESG goals to prioritise sustainability.
Committing to sustainability goals amplifies your company’s climate values, strengthens your value positioning for employees, and future-proofs your business from possible environmental regulations.
How relevant is your office environment in achieving your ESG goals?
Your office is a physical representation of your company values.
If you went to the office of a company vocal about technology – and found it to be kitted with 90s Microsoft computers – you would conclude that the company is not serious about tech modernisation. The same is true for companies looking to prioritise sustainability.
Organisations serious about improving their carbon footprint, need an office that doesn’t cost the earth.
Is an office fit-out counterproductive for reducing a carbon footprint?
This is a valid question. Considering the carbon-heavy nature of the construction industry, refurbishing an office can have a short-term negative impact on its carbon footprint. However, this is exceeded by the long-term positive impact of a thoughtfully designed office refurbishment.
What are the environmental benefits of an office refurbishment?
Reduced long-term carbon output
As our understanding of carbon output improves, so does the technology to reduce it. Outdated offices were not designed to consider environmental impact.
The energy efficiency of outdated heating, air conditioning, lighting, and electrics is inferior to the modern equivalent.
An office refurbishment will improve the day-to-day energy performance of your office, reducing your long-term carbon footprint.
Improved office longevity
As our relationship with work changes, our office functionality must too. A rigid office design will quickly become unfit for purpose.
High-quality office refurbishments accommodate fluctuating work behaviours. The more considered the office fit out, the less frequently the office will need a redesign.
In the long term, a considered office fit-out will reduce future construction needs.
Recycled and enhanced features
When offices look tired, there’s a tendency to counteract this with new furniture or office features. However, no furniture will look modern in a dated office. A thoughtful office fitout will extend the life of your existing furnishings and fixtures.
We often reuse furniture on the basis that once in a refurbished environment, it’s given a new lease of life.
Better to improve than rebuild
Though it may be tempting to tear old office buildings down and start again, this is the least sustainable approach. Updating existing office spaces to comply with modern functionality is significantly better for the environment.
Businesses with sincere ESG goals should consider how their office adheres to these environmental commitments. Creating an office that aligns with your ESG goals will positively impact your long-term carbon footprint and communicate your dedication to sustainability.
