When design rhymes with ecological awareness

As part of this awareness, office design is evolving to incorporate sustainable materials, greener energy practices, and choices that focus on employee well-being. But how can workplace design really make a difference? And how do these decisions contribute to a more ethical and ecological office environment?

Here is how this evolution is reflected in the design of workspaces.

Sustainable materials: a direct impact

When talking about eco-responsible design, one of the first things to talk about is that of materials. Using recycled, renewable or low-environmental impact materials makes it possible to significantly reduce the ecological footprint of a workspace.

Wood remains a classic and timeless choice for offices. For a reduced environmental impact, it is essential to choose recycled or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood. These labels guarantee sustainable forest management. Using recycled wood also makes it possible to extend the life of natural resources. Bamboo, thanks to its rapid growth, is an ideal renewable resource. This sturdy and flexible material is increasingly popular for its natural aesthetics and lightness. Bamboo can be used in the manufacture of furniture, wall panels or office accessories. It is also one of the preferred options for interior designers who want to combine style and sustainability. Cork, on the other hand, is ideal for floors and wall coverings: durable, insulating and naturally resistant to humidity, it ticks all the boxes for an eco-designed workspace.

At the same time, the textile industry is the second most polluting industry in the world. Chemicals in dyes, massive releases of greenhouse gases, abundant use of drinking water. It is responsible for pollution of the air, soil and water at the same time. Eco-responsible textiles, such as linen, organic cotton or even fabrics made from recycled plastics, make it possible to design armchairs, curtains or rugs without using polluting raw materials.

Reducing the energy footprint

Another key dimension of eco-responsibility in the office concerns energy management. With the multiplication of electronic devices and the necessary lighting in open spaces, the energy consumption of an office can quickly become an environmental abyss. Fortunately, solutions exist to limit this footprint.

Lighting plays a central role in the well-being of employees, but it can also have a significant ecological impact. Designers are increasingly turning to solutions that maximize the use of natural light, thereby reducing energy consumption. Office layouts often favor large windows and glass partitions to let in as much daylight as possible.

In addition, artificial lighting is optimized with LED bulbs, which are much more energy efficient than traditional bulbs. These technologies not only reduce the energy bill, but also reduce the overall carbon footprint of the building.

To go further, some companies rely on home automation and smart systems to optimize the use of energy. Sensors can be installed to automatically adjust lighting or air conditioning according to the presence or activity in the room. It is an effective way not to waste energy while ensuring the comfort of employees.

Choosing materials that effectively regulate temperature is also a key approach to optimizing the energy efficiency of an office. We then speak of materials with high thermal inertia or temperature-regulating materials that absorb, store and release heat slowly. Concrete, brick or even natural stone can thus be integrated into workspaces, which, in addition to having high thermal inertia, can bring great aesthetic value to a room.

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The reuse of construction materials

Another crucial aspect of eco-friendly office design is the reuse of construction materials. Instead of throwing away materials from demolitions or renovations, they are recovered, transformed and reused in new spaces. This may include the reuse of wood, metals, or even bricks, which often provide a unique aesthetic touch, in addition to reducing waste.

This approach not only limits the extraction of new resources, but it also reduces the pollution associated with the production of new materials. By adopting this method, businesses are participating in the circular economy, an essential model for a more sustainable future.

Recycling and waste management

According to ADEME, companies in France produce 21% of all waste each year. This represents 64 million tons. 28% of this waste comes from the tertiary sector, which represents 18.1 million tons. (Source: Waste key figures: L'essentials Édition 2024)

Beyond the pure design aspect, waste management is a central aspect in an eco-responsible approach in the office. Many companies are implementing waste sorting solutions, but a design designed to encourage this approach is a real asset. For example, recycling areas that are clearly identified and aesthetically integrated into the office encourage employees to pay attention to their consumption and to sort properly.

There are also innovative solutions to reduce waste on a daily basis. Businesses can, for example, opt for modular and repairable furniture, designed to be dismantled and adjusted according to needs. This avoids having to buy new furniture every time the configuration changes.

Reused or upcycled furniture

In the same spirit, office furniture follows this trend towards sustainability. Instead of buying new furniture, businesses can opt for reused or upcycled furniture. The latter involves recovering old furniture from businesses and giving them a new life. The objective is to capitalize on the wealth that businesses already have and to reuse them. In addition, it can offer offices a unique character, while displaying a clear environmental commitment.

In both cases, this represents several advantages for the company:

• Reduce waste: Furniture at the end of its life does not end up in landfill, which decreases the pollution associated with the production and transport of new furniture.
• Save resources: It reduces the demand for raw materials needed to manufacture new furniture.
• Participate in the circular economy: This practice promotes a sustainable economy by promoting existing products.
• Creativity and personalization: It allows you to create unique and tailor-made pieces.
• Environmental awareness: It is a great way to communicate a responsible and eco-responsible image for businesses.

Eco-friendly colors and paints

The selection of colors and paints is no exception to the green wave either. Conventional paints often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that pollute indoor air and can be harmful to health. In response, more and more manufacturers are offering ecological paints, based on natural ingredients and without harmful chemicals.

These eco-friendly paints help create healthier spaces while providing a color palette that is as rich and varied as traditional options.

In tertiary development (offices, commercial spaces, administrations), the use of ecological paints has several advantages, in particular:

• Health and well-being of employees: indoor air quality is a key factor for the comfort and health of occupants. Low VOC paint limits headaches, respiratory irritations, and fatigue, while creating a healthier environment.
• Compliance with environmental standards: more and more buildings and offices must meet strict sustainability standards, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, an international symbol of excellence in sustainability and leadership in sustainable buildings) or BREEAM (assesses the environmental performance of a building) certifications, which value the use of ecological materials.
• Eco-responsibility: adopting natural paints shows the company's commitment to environmental protection, contributing to its CSR image.

Integrating eco-friendly practices into office design isn't just a trend; it's a necessity to meet today's environmental challenges. Whether through lighting, the reuse of materials, furniture or ecological paints, every choice counts. Offices designed with environmental awareness not only minimize their ecological impact, but they also create healthier and more pleasant environments for those who work there.

Adopting eco-designed design is therefore much more than an aesthetic approach: it is a concrete commitment to the planet, and it can also be a major asset in attracting talents who are sensitive to environmental values.

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