Coworking for a greener tomorrow: Top tips on running a more sustainable office

Flexible workspaces are pioneers of the sustainable modern office – but there is always work to be done to make operations greener.

In a world where environmental concerns are increasingly taking centre stage, the concept of sustainability is ingrained in the fabric of ever sector and industry – with many businesses embracing going greener in different ways. Amid this shift towards a more sustainable way of operating flexible workspaces have risen as leaders, driving change, and setting new standards for a more sustainable way of working.

Not only do they offer a solution for evolving work dynamics, but they help to cut out the big city commute, allow for multiple organisations to share energy from the same place, and often embrace greener working choices.

But what are exactly are these eco-friendly alternatives and how can we implement them into our offices? Let’s roll up our sleeves and explore how flexible workspaces can continue to lead the charge in creating sustainable havens for innovation and business development. So, grab your reusable water bottles, and let’s dive in.

Champion Waste Reduction and Recycling

In flexible workspaces, collaboration isn’t just about projects; it can be about small changes made to help save the planet.

In a tech-heavy world, why not encourage a paperless environment? Or help workers make the sustainable choice convenient by fostering a community that champions waste reduction, one piece of paper at a time.

Make sure there are enough recycling stations spread throughout the office space, helping workers to recycle with ease.

Set up a comprehensive recycling program that includes paper, plastics, glass, and electronics and encourage the use of reusable cups, bottles, and utensils, to make working greener easy and accessible to all.

Embrace Energy Efficiency

Picture this: Energy-efficient flexible workspaces where your productivity thrives, and your carbon footprint shrinks. Choosing to light up office spaces with energy-efficient LED bulbs and adopting smart technologies that help to conserve energy can in turn reduce the impact of an office space on the environment – while saving the pennies in the process.

Make sure lighting creates a comfortable and inspiring environment, offering a variety of overhead and adjustable lighting options to ensure workers can tailor the environment or its backlighting to their preference or needs.

Invest in energy-efficient appliances and smart thermostats and encourage employees to turn off electronics when not in use. Where office spaces have exclusive users, think about implementing a policy of shutting down computers at the end of the day. Small changes in energy consumption can add up to significant reductions over time.

Source Sustainable Supplies

Everyone loves an office supply closet. Make your freebies greener by opting for eco-friendly office supplies, from recycled paper and non-toxic inks. When selecting vendors and partners, prioritise those who share your commitment to sustainability and ethical practices or offer recycling incentives to help reduce unnecessary wastage.

Sustainable Can Be Stylish

Flexible workspaces are often hubs of creativity – so where better to showcases sustainable design. From reclaimed wood to upcycled, reclaimed, or mismatched furniture, it has never been easier for office managers to curate an atmosphere that marries professional and functional aesthetics with ethical choices that scream style.

Embrace natural materials, chemical-free paints, small or local producers, and bring the outside in with office plants and water features to help workers channel creativity and feel more at-ease in the process.

Promote Green Commuting

Say goodbye to the daily traffic grind and hello to eco-conscious commuting. Seek out office spaces that offer bike racks or bike to work schemes or those that are easily accessed by public transport to cut your carbon mileage.

Many flexible workspaces now offer facilities for freshening up, making sustainable commuting a breeze.

Those looking to push the envelope can even look to offer incentives for using public transportation, cycling, carpooling, or walking to reduce the frequency of commuting by car.

Empower Future Change-Makers

Sustainability should not be just a checkbox exercise for businesses operating in the modern world – it’s a commitment that comes with a journey – one that helps facilitate growth rather than expose a business for its failures.

Look for opportunities to join workshops, talks, lunch-and-learns or events that empower co-workers with knowledge; from green initiatives to more mindful work habits, nurturing a culture of sustainability that involves everyone and that communicates that sustainability is so much more than recycling.

Now, let’s talk about the bigger picture. Flexible working isn’t just a trend; it’s a sustainable choice that is centred around the sharing of resources and fostering collaboration. Implement greener solutions when working at Adapt by looking out for talks about sustainability on the Member of the Future app, swap your drive in for a bike ride through Uxbridge, or remember to use our recycling points when getting rid of office waste.

Are you ready to co-work towards a sustainable office revolution?