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10 Ways to Green Your Workspace in the New Year
As the new year unfolds, many of us will undoubtedly take stock of how we work, not just in terms of productivity or goals, but also in how our choices affect the planet and our local environment.
At Adapt, we believe that creating a greener workplace isn’t about making sweeping changes overnight. It’s about small, intentional steps that add up, fostering environments that feel good, do good, and help people to flourish. For those using one of our coworking spaces, private offices, or meeting rooms, there are countless ways to make your workspace more environmentally friendly and mindful of the community around you.
Here are 10 simple yet powerful ways to promote sustainability in the workspace in the new year, with ideas that work – whether you’re part of our Uxbridge campus or bringing eco-friendly habits into your home office.
1. Choose Eco-Friendly Office Supplies
One of the simplest ways to make your workspace greener is by rethinking what you use every day. Swapping single-use items for reusable or recycled alternatives helps to reduce waste and sets the tone for a more sustainable business practice.
Introduce refillable pens, notebooks made from recycled paper, or bamboo stationery. You can also opt for biodegradable cleaning products and invest in durable materials that stand the test of time!
At Adapt, we’re passionate about embedding green practices into our everyday routines, from sustainable procurement to eco-certified office materials across our coworking spaces.
2. Bring the Outdoors In
Never underestimate the power of greenery in the workplace. Plants purify the air, boost creativity, and improve your focus. Studies show that even a few potted plants can improve your wellbeing and productivity.
We’ve long believed in the connection between nature and work quality. Our Uxbridge offices incorporate biophilic design principles, using natural light, textures, and greenery to promote calm and focus.
Adding plants is one of the most effortless sustainability examples, and a great reminder that going green in the workplace can also make it a more enjoyable place to be.fore turning back towards your starting point. In less than 40 minutes, you’ll be back at your desk, recharged by the calming presence of ducks, herons, and other canal-side wildlife, and uplifted by a peaceful, traffic-free walk just steps from work.
3. Make the Most of Natural Light
Lighting plays a huge role in our members comfort and energy consumption. Maximising natural light not only saves electricity but also supports better mood and alertness of all our workers.
Arrange desks near windows or open communal spaces to capture natural light throughout the day. If you’re using artificial lighting, choose energy-efficient LED bulbs and switch lights off when rooms aren’t in use.
Our Psychology of Workspace Design article also explores how environment shapes mindsets, and light is a big part of that equation. The brighter and more connected you feel to the natural world, the more sustainable and enjoyable your workspace becomes!
4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Smartly
Recycling is a classic sustainability focus. At Adapt, our Uxbridge campus encourages clear community-driven green initiatives in the workplace. Encourage your team or fellow coworkers to take part in sustainability projects. Every small effort helps create a more circular workplace ecosystem, one that’s both eco-friendly and community minded.
5. Choose a Coworking Space That Cares
Sustainability starts with where you choose to work. When you become part of a community like Adapt, you’re aligning with an organisation committed to long-term environmental responsibility.
Our spaces are designed to promote energy efficiency, wellness, and collaboration, embodying the principle that how to be more eco-friendly starts with smart design and shared values.
Together, we can make coworking not just a convenient choice, but a green initiative that supports the planet.
6. Commute Smarter
How you get to work is one of the biggest contributors to your carbon footprint (and one of the easiest areas to make a positive change). Choosing to walk, cycle, or carpool can significantly reduce emissions while helping you feel more energised and connected to your surroundings.
If you’re local to Uxbridge, you’re perfectly placed for sustainable commuting. With scenic routes, well-connected cycle paths, and the town centre just a short distance away, getting to work without the car is easy. Uxbridge Tube station is only a 10-minute walk from the campus, and for extra convenience, our Adapt by ARC shuttle bus connects the park to both the Tube and town centre every 10–15 minutes.
For those travelling by car, ARC Uxbridge is just three miles from the M25 and M40, making Reading and Oxford reachable in under an hour. The A40 provides a direct route into central London, and to support sustainable travel, we offer a network of on-site EV chargers for electric vehicles!
Our campus’s prime location also offers easy access to some of the best green spaces in Uxbridge. When you’re ready for a little fresh-air inspiration, take a look at our guide to The Top 10 Best Outdoor Lunch Spots in Uxbridge.
7. Join Sustainability-Focused Campus Events
Community is at the heart of everything we do here at Adapt. Throughout the year, we host campus events focused on sustainability, networking, and personal growth, from eco-workshops and engaging speaker sessions to local clean-up days and bootcamp events.
Participating in these events can not only broaden your professional network but also allows you to contribute to shared sustainability projects. It’s one of the most rewarding ways to go green in the workplace — together!
8. Create Relaxation and Recharge Areas
A green workplace is one that supports both environmental and emotional sustainability. Furthermore, sustainability is also about people. Creating calm spaces for reflection and relaxation helps to sustain our members’ energy and prevent burnout.
At Adapt, our relaxation zones feature natural textures, calming tones, and biophilic elements that promote wellbeing. These areas are perfect for a tea break, a quiet moment, or an informal chat with colleagues.
9. Support Local Sustainable Businesses
Uxbridge is home to a growing community of local shops, cafés, and independent businesses embracing sustainability! Supporting them not only strengthens our local economy but also reduces transport emissions and packaging waste.
Choose local cafés with compostable takeaway options, buy produce from nearby markets, or collaborate with eco-conscious suppliers. Many Adapt members make it a habit to grab lunch or coffee at local sustainable spots, combining environmental choices with everyday living.